Head Coach Justin Holbrook has declared that “if the boys are fine, they will play" ahead of our clash with London Broncos at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday (kick-off 19:45 GMT).
As always you can hear team news here first via saintsrlfc.com and on our Twitter channel when the official 19 man squad is released at 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday), but prior to that, the boss has shed some light on how the squad is shaping up.
When asked in his pre-match press conference if he had any players missing following the win over Salford, Justin commented:
“Not that I can think of. It’s full credit to the players and the medical staff who are doing a great job.”
New signing Kevin Naiqama was forced off in the win over Leeds and subsequently missed out against Salford, but Justin has revealed that the Fiji international has recovered.
“Kevin is absolutely fine, everyone is fine,” he continued. “I plan on keeping them playing [rather than rotating] as we have only played four games. If you need a rest now you are in trouble. The boys play the game for a reason, because they want to play.
“So it’s similar to last year, if the boys have got niggling injuries I won’t play them, but if they are fine then they will play.”
Following the victory over Salford, Justin revealed it was the ‘best performance of the season’ and the Head Coach emphasised that point before admitting that he hopes the form continues against London on Friday.
“It was very pleasing, a really good 80 minute performance from our players and I thought it was our best performance and win of the year, he continued.
“I thought we had good control of the game on a tough night with the conditions and I thought we were good with the ball and defended really well. So I was pleased all around.
“We trained all week in really hot weather and we got down to Salford and it was cold and windy, but for our players to adapt to that and to play with the patience with the ball was pleasing because we were running into a dangerous Salford side that had started the season really well and were playing with a lot of confidence.
“I’m definitely happy with the start of the season and the new guys are settling in well and they will get better as the week’s go by which is pleasing and obviously I am happy to win all our games and to see a lot of improvement. We saw a lot last week and we are hoping to continue on that path.”
The game against London Broncos kicks off at 7:45 pm this Friday, with tickets still available from the Club Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455052 or by clicking here.
