SAINTS stand off Travis Burns is fighting to regain his place in the team after being left out for the opener against Huddersfield - and now the 19-man squad for Salford.

Keiron Cunningham overlooked the 32-year-old Australian, opting to partner Luke Walsh with Jordan Turner instead.

Although hammering home his view that the team cannot be picked on reputation, Cunningham said that the door is not shut on Burns - but he may be used in another role.

He said: "Friday's half back selection was my choice and two weeks before I knew where I was heading and had been running them at training together.

"At times I was contemplating Walshy and Theo (Fages), which could be good further down the line.

"Travis knows what he needs to do – and that is a conversation we have had.

"Burnsy is adamant that he is going to work on that and have a real good crack at it.

"He is lovely, genuine guy and none of the decisions made here are personal.

"I like the way in which he has come back with a fight and wants to do something about it. It might not be a six role where I play him – he might be best suited playing somewhere else."

He did not specify where that would be, but Burns has played nine before during his time in the NRL, and in the short term that could help fill a problem spot given James Roby's rib injury.

Fages and Morgan Knowles have also been flagged up as possible nines in Roby's absence.

Burns is not the first high-profile senior player to be dropped from the first team since Cunningham took the helm with Kyle Amor and Mose Masoe both sitting out games last term after dips in form.

Burns, who turned 32 on Saturday, has just entered the second of his contracted three years at Langtree Park after joining for a transfer fee from Hull KR.

Cunningham added: "I have always said to the players, regardless of reputation, that I would always pick the best team.

"I have always been and will always be openly honest with the team, but I won't criticise them when they don't need criticising.

"If someone is not playing well and it is not working for the team then I just won't play them.

"I can't be everyone's friend every week, as much as I'd like to be. I get paid to make decisions that are for the best of the team and club.

"I don't take any great joy in this - I am just trying to pick a team that is best for the club. It worked on Friday night and if that continues that is where we head.

"Generally the high-profile players get a lot more chances than the kids do, and I think Travis will admit that he had a lot more chances last year than a lot of the kids did and I can't afford to be doing that because you end up losing your team."