Kyle Amor is hoping the Magic Weekend will kick start Saints’ season.
Saints take on Hull FC in the second game of the six-match extravaganza in Newcastle on Saturday.
“It’s great for us as players to play at venues like the Etihad in Manchester and St James Park,” he said. “You want to play in a big, iconic stadiums – that is why you play the game. Of course, your main goal is to play at Wembley or Old Trafford. There’s no silverware involved in this game but it is a big game, in front of the big crowd and away from the M62 corridor. This is a special game and one we are desperate to win.
“Hull are flying high at the moment and we are expecting to face a team that is full of confidence. They have a powerful pack and big outside backs. We have to manage their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Above all, we need to perform well and if we do that we should go in the right direction to get the points.
“As a team we have been up and down in form all season and the last couple of weeks have seen performances that are not what we associate our standards with. A lot of things have happened this year but we have to learn to react better to difficult situations. This comp is ruthless and we have to perform.
“Being out of the cup is a travesty for the town, the fans and the players. We want to play in big games and we are gutted as a group. We have had some negative comments thrown our way and they are probably justified.
“We are trying hard and have to stick together through this tough period. That includes the fans as well, if they can continue to support us as they have done all year we can turn it around.”
New head coach Justin Holbrook will be in situ for the game – overseeing whilst Sean Long and Jamahl Lolesi take the reins.
“The new coach coming in gives everyone a fresh start,” Kyle added. “He brings new ideas and is a new face. Everybody will be out to impress and hopefully it will bring out the best in us. Having him around will bring stability and the boys will know the direction going forward.
“We have 10 games left and if we win two or three we will start climbing the table. We are looking up and not behind us but on the flipside if we lose two or three then we know what is coming.
“We have to win and climb the table. There is no better way to do that than at the Magic Weekend at St James Park in Newcastle.”
