SAINTS legend Paul Sculthorpe talks Challenge Cup, Luke Thompson for England and Wigan's woes.

IT is a sign of a good team when you can play poorly and still win....and in the Challenge Cup that’s ALL that matters!

That’s especially so against a team who were desperate to keep their hands on the trophy they have held for the last two years.

In the words of Justin Holbrook, that was Saints toughest game of the season so far, in weather that made him feel like he was back home in Australia.

All credit to Hull FC who showed a never-say-die attitude, but unfortunately for them their poor discipline cost them dearly, with three yellow cards taking them down to eleven men at one point, and helped Saints continue their quest to make their first Challenge Cup final since 2008....and what a draw! Any game in a semi-final is going to be a tough game but if we could pick our opposition it would have to be Catalans. That leaves Leeds and Warrington to fight it out in the other semi-final, with both games played at Bolton’s Macron Stadium in a cup double-header on Sunday, August 5. I’m going for a Saints-Wire finale!

I got three out of four with my predictions last week, with only Huddersfield letting me down as they were soundly beaten by the Dragons. Steve McNamara’s men have now won their last four games and look to be growing in confidence. Leeds Rhinos as expected put the sword to championship side Leigh Centurions, who like Hull had their own discipline issues.

The big surprise of the weekend was Warrington’s 23-0 demolition of the Wigan Warriors. Now, I tipped the Wolves to get the win but never dreamt of the manner in which they did it. Warrington were good, take nothing away from them but it’s got to be up there as the worse Wigan performance I’ve seen in years.

They looked completely clueless, with poor individual performances from those in key positions.

Obviously, a lot of people are going to put the performance down to the announcement of Shaun Wane’s departure at the end of the season...but I disagree.

This Wigan side have too much experience to let something like that effect performances.

If anything, you think it may inspire them to send their coach off on a high and impress the coach-to-be, whoever that may be.

It’s been a bad week for the Wigan club, Waney’s news, getting knocked out of the Challenge Cup, Ryan Sutton announcing his move to the NRL and rumours John Bateman, who was undoubtedly Wigan’s best player set to be not far behind him.

But probably the biggest negative of late was the shameful video posted out on social media of Joel Tomkins, and to a lesser extent his brother Sam who were both worse for wear having altercations with staff in a Standish bar. Rightly so, the club have acted swiftly to firmly discipline the pair, who have both picked up significant fines, with Joel also finding himself stepped down from action for the next four weeks, something I’m sure the coach could do without especially as injuries are starting to take their toll.

Back to the table-topping Saints -something I’ve said all year – and Luke Thompson is the best prop in the Betfred Super League, who keeps enhancing his reputation.

Tommo was absolutely outstanding against Hull FC, making a big impact every time he ripped the ball in.

I’ve no doubts if he stays fit and continues to play the way he is, he should be safely on the England plane to Denver in June!

Also, big wraps for that left side partnership of Mark Percival and Regan Grace which continues to shine, with both getting over the whitewash for another brace apiece.

Hull FC had clearly done their homework on Ben Barba, putting plenty of numbers on him every time he got the ball. However, this can help open spaces for other players which I’ve no doubt this did. With the Challenge Cup now on the back burner its back to the Betfred Super League this weekend.

The top three teams who were all in cup action will be looking at picking up the points.

Saints host 11th placed Hull KR, who despite a great win in their last outing over the Wigan Warriors I can only see coming second best this Friday.

I’ll tip Saints to win by 14 (1/2 at Betfred). I’ll back the Wolves to tame the Castleford Tigers by 10pts (7/4) and with the Warriors travelling to Wakefield, I think it could be another tough day at the office against the giant Wakey pack.

I’m putting my head on the block here by going for a Wakefield win by 6pts (5/2 at Betfred).