DEREK Traynor is calling on Saints not to drop their intensity after two encouraging performances.
A good showing at Wigan when down to 12 men was backed up with an excellent 26-22 win over Castleford at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Now Saints head to Widnes this Friday looking to continue their improvement.
“We were delighted with the outcome on Monday, especially after backing up a really tough Wigan game,” he said. “But we honestly believe we can improve on that and get better.
“And, the big thing is the lads believe that themselves and we will be looking to do that on Friday.
“We have played two top teams. Cas have been running hot and Wigan is always a big game. The last thing we need to do now is drop our intensity because of the position Widnes are in.
“We have to get our approach right as they are a dangerous team. We can’t drop our standards and if we maintain that then hopefully we can come away with a win.”
Saints do not expect anyone to return this Friday, with Jonny Lomax, James Roby, Ryan Morgan and Jack Ashworth all side-lined.
Kyle Amor will be named in the squad too but his availability may change depending on tonight’s RFL Disciplinary hearing.
He has been handed a Grade B charge of High Tackle – Careless – initial contact with ball/chest – following his sending off against Wigan on Good Friday.
Derek continued: “We are aiming to carry on in the same vein but we can’t fall in love with ourselves because we have tried hard for two games and come up with two decent performances.
“Our philosophy is every time you pull a Saints shirt on you give your ultimate effort, so you aren’t going to get praise for putting effort in. It’s skill, intensity, brains and game sense we want to improve on.”
Derek is part of the three-man coaching team that is in ‘caretaker charge’ of the Saints until a full time coach is appointed.
He is splitting his time with his role as head coach of the under 19s and is enjoying the challenge so far.
“The players have been great with me as have Sean Long and Jamahl Lolesi,” continued. “I started here as a volunteer at under 11s in 1995 and I never dreamt of being at this level.
“My aim is to make the best of it, do the best I can and learn as much as I can. I will give my best for this club.”
Tickets for the game, which kicks off at 8pm at the Select Security Stadium are on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
There are advanced ticket prices for Members – and Saints get 25 per cent of the ticket price if you buy direct from us.
