KEIRON Cunningham has been giving his thoughts ahead of this week’s First Utility Super League Super 8s game with Hull FC.
Saints head into the match on the back off a 26-16 loss at Catalans – but have put that to bed as they aim to return to winning ways at Langtree Park.
“We were really disappointed with the result but we have to move on,” Cunningham said. “We would have liked to have got the points but we have a game this week to recoup some form.
“We were a little bit off in some areas and had plenty of chances. I thought we were a little harshly done too as well. There was a lopsided penalty count and a try disallowed that I thought was a try all the way. Having seen it a few times there is no way it cannot be a try. But, there’s nothing we can do about it now and we have to look ahead to the next match.
“Some of the senior players weren’t as great as they could have been. When they lost a man – and it was a shoulder charge to the head – we still had plenty of opportunities. There was the disallowed try, Matty Dawson should have scored in one corner and Josh Jones should have put Adam Swift away in the other.
“We had those chances even though we didn’t play that great. They didn’t score in the second half other than goals but it was two points lost for us.”
He continued: “We faced Catalan and they had to win, now have Hull FC who have to do the same. The draw hasn’t helped us but that is the nature of the competition. The teams around us play these sides later down the track when if they lose a few it won’t matter. We have to play what is in front of us through and once again we had plenty of opportunities to win that game.
“Hull played well against Castleford and I have no idea how they lost that game. They looked carefree and it was the best I’d seen them attack all year. To do that at Castleford is no mean feat. They will come at us for sure as all sides do at Langtree Park.
“But I have seen something with my boys this week that I haven’t for a couple of weeks. There is a glimmer in their eye and an air of determination to play well this week.”
Keiron could welcome back Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook into the line-up after he missed the Catalan game as his wife is expecting. Jordan Turner could come into the reckoning too after being in the 19 man squad last week.
And, although he won’t be ready for Hull FC, there’s good news on Tommy Makinson.
“He isn’t far off!” Keiron added. “He is training with us and is probably another week away. If he comes through and passes his progressions there’s a good chance he will be back next week.
“Atelea Vea is a few weeks off and Jon Wilkin around three to four weeks.”
Tickets for Friday’s game are on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
