Holbrook: We Understand The Importance

All roads lead to the Macron Stadium on Sunday as Saints take on Catalans to land a place in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final.

It’s been almost a decade since the Red Vee adorned Wembley Stadium – but that’s a stat Justin Holbrook is keen to talk up ahead of the big game.

“I know it’s been 10 years so I understand the importance of the game not just to the club but also to the town as well,” he said. “We know it is a big game and everyone wants us to get there.

“It is different on Sunday and we want to treat it differently. We’re happy to discuss it, embrace what the game is and are looking forward to it.”

He continued: “We’re obviously going to be favourites based on the table but that honestly doesn’t matter to us or them. I have no doubt the other semi-final is the same.

“I would have feared Leeds as much as Catalans, it really doesn’t matter where the sides sit. I would have respected them wherever they sit and they are playing great.

“Steve McNamara has done a great job there but that hasn’t surprised me. For one reason or another it didn’t work out at the start of the year – but I didn’t think with the side they had they would stay where they were. It always was a case of not if but when they would get it together.

“We understand it is a bigger game but we don’t need to change anything. We know we have to play as well as we have been doing.”

Saints will be forced into changes for the clash as Dom Peyroux misses out with a broken arm.

“He broke it with around 15 minutes to go in last Thursday’s game and played on,” Holbrook added. “I always say it is a brutal sport played by tough guys! We didn’t know until the day after; he came in sore and we then found out.

“He had an operation on Monday and an educated guess says he will be out for six to eight weeks.

“It’s a blow but Morgan Knowles is a great young player and will come in. He is good in both back row positions and did well when Zeb Taia was out against Wigan.

“Matty Lees has been playing great and he will come in too.”

Saints have around 30 tickets left for Sunday’s semi final. They are available from the Ticket Office only and will go offsale on Wednesday morning.

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