SCRUM half Luke Walsh repaid the faith placed in him against Huddersfield with a contribution that was much more significant than simply supplying the match-winning drop goal.

After some scratchy displays since returning to action following last year’s season-ending broken leg and serious ankle injury, Walsh’s confidence seemed to dip as much as his match fitness.

But, after a couple of weeks of blasting off the ring rust the old Walsh swagger was back in evidence on Friday with Saints’ attack more potent and purposeful as a consequence.

Coach Keiron Cunningham was delighted with the way the 28-year-old Australian linchpin had sparked the team – and hopefully that will become more settled with new full back Adam Quinlan also slotting into place.

He said: “Luke has got to play with confidence. He is coming off the back of a bad injury and has never had one of those before.

“He has had setbacks, one thing after another, but now he is fit he can forge his relationship with his half, nine and new full back.

“It has been hard, we have swapped halves, hookers and full backs.

“If we can start getting these players playing together for a consistent period of time then you are going to get some consistency back in the group.

“But we are not in a bad spot.”

With Atelea Vea due to return to action within the next fortnight, Cunningham is confident that the side can start producing the sort of complete performances with the ball and in defence they produced at the start of the season.

Walsh’s input is key to the way the team knits together as the year moves into the business end in league and cup.

“When Walshy plays well Travis Burns will play well, the way Luke plays on the ball will open things up for Burnsy at six,” Cunningham said.

“You bring Tils back and you have a back rower who runs good lines on that right side, then play either Joe (Greenwood) or Wilko on the left it gives us lots of variation.

“I am happy where we are.Friday was great for me because we have been trying to get Luke playing into a bit of form again. The way he brought is home was super.”