KEIRON Cunningham is seeking consistency as Saints look to end their regular First Utility Super League season on a high this Friday against Hull KR.
After winning their last two games the Champions could return to the top of the table with a win over the Robins.
But Cunningham wants another good performance to back up the great victory at Warrington.
“We played really well,” he said. “It was a classic Saints-Warrington derby game that went down to the wire. The amount of times we have pinched it in the last minute over Warrington, it probably isn’t funny but as a club we always have that belief that if you hang on in there, no matter how long is left, you will always have a chance.
“I was sending messages to the players that we would get an opportunity to win the game in those final stages and when that opportunity arose and we took it.
“Warrington attacked really well. They were so quick around the ruck. They had Stefan Ratchford, Brad Dwyer, Daryl Clark, Matty Russell and Richie Myler all coming at us with very quick footwork.
“We hung on in there and stopped a lot of tries. That shows the togetherness the players have. They defended like troopers – and deserved the points.
“They fought really hard and the way we defended our line was really resilient. We were in the lead for large periods and soaked up the pressure.
“The two points were really important. We need to get as many as we can to take into the next phase – and they all help for that final four.
“Consistency is important and we have found it this year but only in patches. We started well but then had a lull. I’d like to think we are building once again. We need a good game this week and then take on the challenge we have in the semi-final next week.
“Hull KR will come at us at their best. We had a tough time at their place and I’m sure the players are ready for that. Hopefully we can welcome them to Langtree Park like they did to us at their place.
“Chris Chester has done a fantastic job there. He had a lot of players come in and has had to gel them in a short period of a pre-season.”
Saints will welcome back Atelea Vea into the line-up after he dislocated and broke his shoulder – ironically at the away trip to Hull KR earlier in the season.
But Jon Wilkin is out for a few weeks after breaking his thumb.
Keiron continued: “I think consistency is important in rugby league and you need that so you can bounce on. I’m not going to tinker but there may be a couple of players rested.
“Luke Walsh will play for example – he has been great over the last two weeks and we need him to lead us around the field.
“We’ll miss Jon of course. He is a champion of a guy and an ultimate leader for the squad. He doesn’t leave it in the dressing room, he does his talking on the field and runs his blood to water.
“I feel for him as he deserves to play in big games. He will bounce back and be back for us sometime in the Super 8s.”
Tickets for the game remain on sale at the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
