IT was a dream start for new Saints boss Justin Holbrook, but after only overseeing one training session, he was not putting his hand up for the credit.

Thrashed last week, Saints looked a pretty bedraggled outfit traipsing off at Castleford.

But they turned up at Newcastle with a determination to pick themselves up off the floor in front of the new boss and have a crack at climbing the table.

Holbrook, who arrived on Thursday, said: "The boys were hurting a lot after getting bundled out of the Challenge Cup and all the credit goes to them for putting in a performance like that today.

"I got here on Thursday and worked with them on Friday so I can't clam too much for the performance. I could tell they wanted to perform and I am pleased for them.

"I have been watching the games across in Australia and I could see they were frustrated. The staff have been doing it tough like the players so my job was to take the pressure off them, make them relax and enjoy it. They performed well.

"They are a good bunch of guys who want success and they were hurting. I just wanted them to let go of it and enjoy it again. They had to work hard for it and showed some great defence at times too.

"I was really pleased for them."

Holbrook said he had been following the team from Australia following his appointment and had made a few observations.

He added: "They have been guilty of trying too hard which happens when you lose a few games. Last week was a big knock out game and I thought they really tried too hard and when you do that it gets harder.

"I wanted them to realise that and take the pressure from them. They were ready to perform today.

"That said, it is only two points and we are a fair way off the leading pack.

"We have to keep performing."