Justin Holbrook says Hull FC have quality throughout and his side will need to play well to come out with a win.
Saints bounce into this Friday’s match with the Airlie Birds on the back of a successful Easter programme – but it is usually the third game of the period that is toughest.
“Friday’s game will be another good test for us against a good side,” he said. “They have been very good over the last few weeks and have Albert Kelly back too. With him and Marc Sneyd they have two great halves. They are a quality team and we will have to play well.
“We have no fresh injury worries, just the standard bumps and bruises which is good. Jonny Lomax will come back in – he was rested but wanted to play on Monday.
“But we wanted to give Matty Smith a run and it was good to be able to do that.
“My opinion hasn’t changed on him; he covers a number of positions and I see him as a core part of our 19. At the moment he isn’t sneaking into the 17 which is hard for him. He has been in the 19 every week and is only one opportunity away from playing.
“I know that’s easy for me to say that but it must be hard for him. I can’t fault him at all, he has been fantastic for the squad and great in training.”
He continued: “We’re going well but there’s no issue with keeping the lads’ feet on the ground. Although we lost to Leeds and were disappointed in how we played that night, I can’t fault our application in the games or training.
“Monday was a real sign of that. A lesser side perhaps wouldn’t have bounced back so well from Friday’s physical game with one change. It was a good performance.”
Tickets for the clash are now on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
