Justin Holbrook said he was happy Saints had a tough hit out ahead of the Betfred Super League home opener with Castleford next week.
His side won 24-20, with Ben Barba grabbing a brace in a solid hit out.
“I was happy to have a good hit out and we are all looking forward to next week,” he said. “Leigh were strong and will be hard to beat in the Championship this year. They are a Super League club in all but name. It was exactly what we needed.
“We know we need to play better, but I have never seen a good friendly in my life! There are a massive number of players chopping and changing and everyone knows it is a friendly.
“But there were some positives. Ben Barba played well and that is just what we need from him. Danny Richardson was a real live wire and I thought we created plenty throughout the match even though we were changing players.
“We defended well in the second half too, but we needed to as we were poor in the first half.”
He continued: “We don’t know our 17 for next week – tonight was a stepping stone to look at some positions and a reward for some guys to force themselves into the reckoning for round one. Some did that tonight and we now move on to next week.”
Tickets for Saints home opener with Castleford are now available online or via the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
You can also call 01744 455 052.