DREAM Team debutant Tommy Makinson is delighted to be among a cluster of Saints’ new breed of players winning a first piece of silverware.

The 27 tries from the flying flankman, who has turned elaborate one-handed corner flag finishes into an art form, have been important in Saints lifting the League Leaders’ Shield.

The 22-year-old former Wigan St Judes junior believes that the shield will be just the fillip the injury-depleted side need ahead of the play-off battles to come — and beyond that too.

Makinson said: “The League Leaders is massive for us. We know that the Grand Final is called that for a reason, but to get a first piece of silverware breaks the duck. I have been here four years and never won anything.

“Breaking that duck can only do good in pushing us forward.”

It had looked like Saints’ hopes of lifting the crown for the first time since 2008 had been dashed by Leroy Cudjoe’s drop goal at Huddersfield. Within the space of 24 hours the mood among the Saints camp was transformed from despair to delight after Catalan downed Castleford 28-6.

Makinson explained: “It was a weird atmosphere at Galpharm, losing 17-16 with 12 men after one of our best performances of the year.

“Everyone gave 100 per cent but it felt like a cup final defeat. But then that was followed by the joy of the result on Saturday — and that was something else.

“Everyone is so happy and buzzing at training — we have finally won something. It puts a spring in our stride and gives us some real momentum to face Castleford this Friday.”

Nathan Brown has already declared that the cup finalists Castleford will be expected to start the match as favourites. There may be an element of bringing the side back down to earth quickly ahead of the battles to come.

“Browny will keep us grounded. He is one of the best coaches in the world and a good man manager,” said Makinson.

“We set ourselves three targets at the start of the year; we fell down in the cup, but have completed the second one and now the focus is on the third, the Grand Final.

“It has been well documented that we are missing three world-class players in Jon Wilkin, Jonny Lomax and Luke Walsh, so to win it without them is a real credit to the lads and also to Browny, who has used all the squad.”