CENTRE Mark Percival has hailed the influence of Nathan Brown in Saints' 14-6 Old Trafford win which saw the club clinch its first title in eight years.

“We all wanted to send him down with a win, he was dying to win and this is for him,” said the Widnesian.

“A lot of people might have thought the mood at halftime was disappointing but it wasn't, we just didn't complete our sets well enough but I think we pulled that back in the second half.

“The sending off might have helped a bit but we're a good team and worked well down the middle and I think that's what got them in the end."

And Percival, who kicked three goals for Saints on the night paid tribute to the outgoing Saints coach's influence over his own career.

He said: “Nathan's done a lot for me and individual players as well. He has given us that confidence that we can win big games.

“He's been a big influence on young players and always said he would give me a chance in the first team ahead of others and I have enjoyed that. It has been such a confidence boost for me.”