KEIRON Cunningham says there will be a ‘different’ Saints when they lock horns with Leeds Rhinos this Friday.
The Champions travel to Headingley in a mouth-watering clash that could see them return to the top of the First Utility Super League table.
But Saints will have to be stronger from the outset in defence if they want to get something from the game according to the club’s head coach.
“We seem to have come through the game relatively healthy,” Cunningham said. “We do have a quick turnaround this week but we can’t complain. We had a long one for the Widnes game and put plenty of work into the players. This week is about recovery and video work.
“I love going to Headingley and it brings the best out of the team. I’m sure it will be a good game.
“We know we have to start the game better. With the ball we were good on Sunday but on the other side of the game we weren’t. We pride ourselves on our defence and are up there as one of the best defensive sides in the competition.
“Attitude wide we were reliant on outscoring Widnes and we didn’t roll up our sleeves and do the required dirty work.
“We did that in the final 25 minutes and brought the game home. You’ll see a different Saints this week.”
He continued: “There is no real way to give players a good defensive structure against Leeds. They can attack on one side of the field and then score on the other.
“They have threats across the board and their backs are outstanding. It we don’t turn up then we will get burnt.
“They are full of leaders too. Kevin Sinfield was phenomenal in the win over Hull FC. Injuries will force Brian Mc to probably play Kevin which isn’t good for us. He is a great player and when he comes on the field you can see the influence he has on the game.
“Discipline is something we need to mindful of. We were great on that score at the weekend. We gave away three at against Widnes. It is something we have been working hard on. We know we have to be better in certain areas and build pressure but we haven’t allowed ourselves to do that over recent weeks.
“That’s why discipline is important and we were good against the Vikings.”
Ticket details for the game can be found here.