KEIRON Cunningham was pleased as Saints’ got their first pre-season game under their belt – and was happy with what he saw.
His side won 38-18 at a very cold Langtree Park; a game played thanks to the fans who came down to the club earlier in the day.
“This game was a real testament to those fans,” Keiron said. “It was the best turnout we’ve had for an appeal like this. We probably could have got the game on for 3pm because so many people turned out. That’s the St Helens community for you – they wanted this game as much as the players.
“It was good to see many people come out, watch us and it was good for us to get out on the field. I’m sure the fans enjoyed getting back into their routines too.”
He continued: “We were a little rusty, but we were always going to be for our first game. Dewsbury are a good side and are well coached. Glenn (Morrison) has strengthened well and has good players in his side. It is a good building block for next week’s game.
“It was good to look at the combinations and the stuff we had put into pre-season. We can watch it back now and reinforce those messages in our review sessions.
“I said to the team that I wasn’t concerned with the result. Friendly games aren’t about that but putting into practice what we have done for the previous two or three months. We have worked hard and have a lot of personnel in the squad. A lot had good touches and looked like they had been here for a few years. They all had highlights.
“Theo (Fages) is a real talent. He is a special player in the making. He has a lot of learning to do but I’d like to think at this club he can only get better. Jack Owens was great. He hasn’t played since last summer and looked at home. We threw him on the wing too and he put Mark Percival through for a try. He is a good acquisition for us.
“Lama (Tasi) did a good job too. He is still understanding his role at the club and how he fits in and I thought Dom (Dominique Peyroux) did well too. He looked comfortable defensively.
“We got a good look at the younger players too. They have trained their socks off in bad conditions – and gone through a lot of pain. There isn’t many you would say cannot play Super League. They are good players.”
Saints’ next friendly is next Sunday against Widnes Vikings – and Cunningham expects an improvement on today’s showing.
“We have stability across the board with what we have recruited but I know there will be disappointed players. I will have to tap a few on the shoulder even through they have trained hard. I haven’t decided on my round one team.
“We’ll look for improvement on this next week.”
