Saints will aim to get back to winning ways when they travel to Wakefield this Thursday.
Following the disappointment of the loss to Huddersfield, Justin Holbrook expects his side to play a lot better in the clash following a ‘normal week’ in terms of preparation.
“After the semi-final it was hard for us to get up for it and the players were doing it tough too,” he said. “In hindsight, had we won on Sunday I would have given a rest to some of the players who were tired.
“I would never rest players for no reason but there were some signs of fatigue there. We felt the best way to feel better after the cup loss would be to get a win, but we fell just short.
“It was probably our worst performance of the year but with good reason. It was disappointing not to be good enough and I know people are now questioning if we are good enough. We want to win every week and want to play well but Friday had a lot to do with Sunday, that’s for sure.
“This week feels like a normal week in terms of preparation. Wakefield have always been thereabouts this season and I can’t remember them being beaten easily at all. They are a big side and it is a tough place to go. We know we are in for a tough game.
“We know we need to control the ball better though. When you make errors and hand the ball over it makes you look like a different team. If we control it better, then we will start to get back to playing the way we were.”
Saints will head into Thursday’s match missing Adam Swift and Ryan Morgan – but on the plus side Regan Grace looks set to return.
“Adam has hurt his shoulder again, but the medical staff think it will only be a three-week injury,” Justin added. “Regan will be right to come back after his caulk which is good. Ryan Morgan has had a lot of head knocks so we are giving him a few weeks off. He will see a specialist next week and we will go from there.”
Saints could also be without in-form forward Luke Thompson too after he was handed a one-match penalty notice for ‘Other Contrary Behaviour’ after the loss to Huddersfield.
The incident occurred when the forward scored his fifth try of the season and in celebration, threw the ball forward.
Holbrook said: “We will have a look at the incident. I know the RFL are trying to crack down on throwing the ball in the crowd and things like that, but he didn’t do that.
“He scored a try, threw the ball down and it hit the in-goal judge’s leg. It was obviously accidental and done in excitement. We will have a look at it.”
Tickets for Thursday’s game remain on sale from the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 050 or online here.
2018 Members can also take advantage of FREE coach travel by contacting the Ticket Office whilst non-Members can access it for just £5.
