Saints take on Hull KR this Friday and it’s a challenge Justin Holbrook is looking forward to.
With the defeat to Leeds now analysed and put to bed, his side travel to the KCOM Craven Park in what has historically been a tough fixture.
“We have done our review and it probably isn’t as bad as I thought straight after the game,” he said. “Tommy Makinson was over the line and Theo Fages had a chance at half time. If you take those two then you have a comfortable half time lead.
“We didn’t take the chances we would have done in other weeks and that put us in a tough position. Then we made errors in the second half that Leeds converted.
“We had some people trying too hard and at times we tried to over complicate things. We’ll refocus and be ready for Friday.”
Saints welcome Morgan Knowles back after suspension this week, but have lost Alex Walmsley for the long term with a neck injury.
“It’s not good news for the club or Alex but the important thing is that the surgeon says it will heal stronger. That is a good thing. There’s no issue around him playing again.
“There isn’t a timeframe for his return though. He will continue to have scans to check how it is healing but it won’t he won’t be back for the next few months.
“It does leave a hole in the side. He is the best front rover in the comp but I am still confident the squad will step up and the players won’t miss a beat. The main thing is that Al takes his time to return.
“We won’t be looking for a short term fix. We have got Matty Lees, Jack Ashworth and young guys itching for an opportunity.
“It’s good that Morgan is back this week. We worked hard in pre-season with him and Jon Wilkin sharing that loose forward role. The season started well for that formula so we will be a much better side with him back in the team.”
East Hull hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for Saints in Super League but last time out, in 2016, they won 31-22.
“Hull KR work hard, get through their sets and complete high,” Justin continued. “When they do, they look for opportunities to catch your defence out.
“It will be a tough challenge but one I expect us to be up for after last week.”
Tickets for Friday’s game are on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or by logging on here.
