SAINTS' speedy front rower Mark Edmondson is desperate to lose the tag of super sub, despite him having made a massive impact off the bench lately.

The 25-year-old prop has made 83 appearances from the bench - the third highest in Saints' history.

So far this term Saints have used the heavier men Nick Fozzard and Paul Anderson to soak up and dish out the early punishment, with the strong running Edmondson coming on to raise the tempo after that initial 20 minute spell.

Although he is enjoying his rugby at Knowsley Road - particularly the try scoring - he is keen to get into the thick of the action from the first whistle.

Edmondson said: "I am happy as a professional to do what I am asked to do. But I always want to challenge myself and know there is so much more to come in my career.

"I am glad I have been upping the tempo of our game off the bench, but as I mature more as a player I want to start games. There is no reason why I cannot give that tempo from the kick-off and then be replaced."

The ex-Vale of Lune junior admitted to learning a lot from Aussie prop David Fairleigh, who enjoyed a terrific season at Saints in 2001.

"David told me that props only start to reach their peak after 26/27 and he played his best rugby after he turned 30. I have taken that on board and can see that unfolding with me. In the latter stages of my career I want to be known as a player that starts the game. A bench player for my whole career is not going to be good enough for me. I see this as completing my apprenticeship this season, but then I would like to see it change," Edmondson said.

There has been a transformation of Saints' front row fortunes from 2003 when they were noticeably weak in that area.

It does mean that the competition for places is hotter than ever with all players having to be on their toes. It has also had a productive spin off for Edmondson.

"We had five props on against Wigan - with Nick Fozzard, Paul Anderson, Mike Bennett, James Graham and myself. It had a positive effect on me that day, because instead of being a grafting workhorse I just stood out wide to reap the benefits. It was my first recorded hat-trick and to do it against Wigan was amazing," he said.

He was less fortunate on Sunday when he showed tremendous pace for a prop, beating off the challenge of the Wakefield winger, racing 80 metres to send Ian Hardman in for a try. He then looked back and see play halted at the other end of the field.

Edmondson said: "It was absolutely devastating to go 80 metres in that heat and then I realise the whistle had gone and have to go all the way back. I was very fatigued after that and it probably took me five minutes to get my breath back.

"We had to dig in a bit towards the end at Wakefield, but you need games like that to help build character and set you in good stead for the rest of the season."