Justin Holbrook has been reflecting on Saints' opening to the Betfred Super League campaign.
Wins over Castleford and Catalans have got the season off to a good start, but no one is in any doubt that more tough challenges lie ahead.
“They were two completely different games,” Justin said. “In round one we got to attack and enjoy it and at Catalans we had to keep turning up in defence. It is pleasing as a coach to see your side do both manners in two successive weeks. That is a good sign going forward.
“We scored some really good tries too and although we defended well we did let in a couple of soft ones. That said, you can’t fault the effort and commitment of the players. When you’re up at 6am to travel over, if there ever is a reason or excuse not to give your best then it would be on a day like that.
“Full credit to the boys, they didn’t use that as an excuse and defended their way to victory.
“We’ve taken the opportunity over our blank weekend to freshen the boys up mentally and physically. But we did keep working hard and now we’re looking ahead to Huddersfield.”
Saints lost Morgan Knowles in the Dragons match for a dangerous tackle that subsequently saw him banned for four weeks.
“That was disappointing,” Justin added. “It was a dangerous tackle and I’m not here to deny that, but the severity of the ban is harsh as there was no malice in it.
“It was one of those accidental ones that went wrong. But we do acknowledge that it was dangerous.”
Saints travel to Huddersfield on Friday February 23 before hosting Salford on March 2. Tickets are now on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
