SAINTS bounced back from a 16-4 deficit to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign.

They had to show some character to do so, especially in their first game without Luke Walsh.

That said they looked like they were going to rue not kicking a penalty in front of the sticks just before the break.

Instead they tapped it, and the next moment the ball went to ground and Jarrod Sammut picked up and sent Reece Lyne racing in.

Earlier Josh Jones had seen his try cancelled out by one from Danny Kirmond.

When Paul McShane dummied his way over from close range just after the break Saints had it all to do.

But four tries in 14 minutes put a Saints back in the driving seat - and from there they never looked back.

A great pass from Paul Wellens, playing at six, sent Sia Soliola over on 46 minutes.

Wellens was involved for the next too, with his kick seeing Matty Dawson cross for his first for Saints.

Then big Joe Greenwood, a late replacement for Lance Hohaia, put Saints back in front when he took Jon Wilkin's pass.

And the comeback was complete when Makinson leapt for Wilkin's cross kick for a fine touchdown on the hour mark.

The last quarter remained scoreless as Saints held out for their sixth win from as many matches.