Jack Welsby impressed in Saints' 30-12 win over Warrington on Thursday night and the 18-year-old insists he has worked hard on his game over recent weeks and reveals he's has been taking tips from the experienced Lachlan Coote.
Welsby was awarded the Sky Sports man of the match award after he laid on a number of Saints’ tries and was solid in defence in Saints win over Wire.
Head Coach Justin Holbrook paid credit to him in the victory, pointing out that he has worked hard on his game over recent weeks.
And Welsby was pleased with his performance, but more so the team’s victory.
“I was absolutely made up, not only to win the man of the match which is an added bonus, but for the rest. It’s a massive result for us and today was my biggest game so far so to get a result like that in an atmosphere like that was massive.
“The tries come off the back of the other lads hard work. Everyone had a massive dig today so it’s just about getting on the end of the tries and that is the nice part of it, but they don’t see the work that goes untold so massive raps must go to all the lads.”
Welsby was the first to admit he didn’t have the best of games in our defeat to London earlier on in the season, but revealed that he has worked hard on his game in training as well as chatted closely with Lachlan Coote to pick up some tips from the experienced full back.
“I’m harsh on myself and that first game away in London wasn’t my best performance and that’s probably down to myself so I’ve gone away and worked on it and put a lot of effort in.
“I worked a lot on catching the high bombs and just having chats with [Lachlan] Coote and gaining some experience from him so it’s been a real good help to have such a good lad around and working hard.”
On the step up from Academy to first team, Welsby admits the jump up is a big one.
“It’s massive the step up from academy to first team. I’m sure I’ve said it before, the physicality is what you worry about, but it’s the intensity. Set for set, carrying every set, it’s hard work and fair play to everyone that does it because it’s massive, it’s a massive step up.
“I’m happy with my minutes so far this season, but I’ll take whatever comes in my stride and try and give the best performances I can.”
Saints face Warrington again for a fourth time this season in the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and all your latest ticket information can be found by clicking here.