KEIRON Cunningham says Saints are focused and can’t wait for the derby this Friday.
His charges head into the clash with Wigan on the back of four wins and with the top four a real possibility at the end of the regular season.
“These are always big games and because we have come off the back of some good wins it means a little more to us to get over the finish line on Friday night,” he said. “There isn’t any extra motivation needed for these games, it is an eagerly anticipated match.
“All we can do is take care of ourselves. We can’t influence the variables away from our games. The boys are working hard and getting the rewards they deserve.
“The players are working as hard now as they did back then. Sometimes things just click and as the confidence amongst the group gets better passes stick and the attack looks more clinical. The old adage that you make your own luck is true and we have found a little bit of that along the way.”
Saints came through the win over Huddersfield in good shape and are likely to go with a similar 19-man squad this week.
“Apart from the usual bumps and bruises we came through ok.” Keiron continued. “Wigan have had an extra day or two on us but we haven’t done too badly on the back of short turnarounds this year.
“Luke (Walsh) came through ok and I thought the two half backs, with Jon Wilkin through the middle, worked for us on Sunday. The captain was brilliant and it was one of his best games for a while. He looked after the middle well.
“The fans were sensational on Sunday too. There was a period in the second half when we defended five or six sets that they lifted us and brought us home.
“They have been phenomenal. It helps when you are winning but they have helped us turn the corner.”
Although the focus is on the permutations for the top four at the end of the regular season, there is effectively eight games remaining for sides to cement their place in the Semi Finals.
Saints could finish fourth or fifth heading into the Super 8s, with the former bringing an extra home game.
“I suppose everyone is fighting not to go to Catalan,” Keiron continued. “We would love to finish fourth at the end of the regular season but it is a case of staying as close as we can to the top four. We know what we have to do and we are working hard to get there.
“I told the players that when you come through a bumpy period wins bring relief and from there comes self-belief. We are in a good place but could we be better? Of course we could and we are working hard to get there. We are working to improve for Friday and for the weeks after that.
“We will have a crack at all the teams above us in the Super 8s. There will be plenty of points won and lost for all teams as there are too many good sides in this competition.
“The more form we carry into the back end of the year the better it will be.”
Tickets for Friday’s derby remain on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
