SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook praised his side's defensive commitment after their 26-12victory at Castleford.

They defended repeat set after repeat set to keep the Tigers at bay.

It meant a first home defeat of the year for the runaway league leaders, lifting Saints into third.

Holbrook said: “We knew it was always going to be a tough game.

"No matter how much homework you do Cas are still a dangerous side to face.

"The boys needed to continuously make the right decisions in defence and they did that, and we came away with the win.

“Our attitude in defence has been great the whole time I have been here. The difference is Cas ask the most questions and you have to be on it for 80 minutes. We did that.

“I think we are getting better each week and we need to. It was a great win but we are still chasing the teams above us. We will continue that on but I am happy with the performance tonight.”

Holbrook had special praise for two-try James Roby, who produced a man-of-the-match performance.

“He isn’t just tough, he creates things, is fit and is a great guy who loves playing rugby league,” he said.

“You can see that in his play – they are the type of players you need when you have a tough assignment like tonight.

"You rely on them and he was fantastic.”

Matty Smith returned to action, coming in just before the break for Danny Richardson, who left the field with concussion.

The young seven should be available for next Friday's game against Hull.