Saints aim to stretch unbeaten run to seven (From St Helens Star)

Saints aim to stretch unbeaten run to seven

5:02pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Sport By Mike Critchley

SAINTS hope to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches when they tackle the apparently free-falling Huddersfield Giants in Sunday’s game at Langtree Park (7.45pm).

However, despite Huddersfield’s poor form, which led to the early departure of Saints’ next coach Nathan Brown, they still boast a team packed with craft and strike power.

Do not expect a team prepared by new boss and former Saint Paul Anderson to roll over – something that Saints boss Mike Rush is keenly aware of.

Rush said: “One of these days Huddersfield will click again and we need to prepare for the side we played at the beginning of the year and the roster of players they have got.

“Baloo (Anderson) is lovely guy and I am pleased that a young British coach has got an opportunity. He was a great player and is a super bloke and he will get them playing his way.

“For us, we have to be aware that it is no good going to France and doing all that hard work and then getting rolled over at home on Sunday.

”Although Saints have been pretty settled this past few weeks, the suspension of Tony Puletua will allow either Mark Flanagan or Shaun Magennis to return.

Flanagan was withdrawn from the trip to France with a back twinge, with the medical staff deeming that 12-hours travelling would be no go good for that ailment.

Rush revealed that he may bring Lee Gaskell, who was travelling reserve in France, back into the fold for the visit of the Giants.

He said: “I may bring Gasky back on the bench, as it would give some options and means Robes can go in at 13, Wilko can then go to left back row for a rest and Lance drop in at 9 for a spell.”

Apart from Ade Gardner, who was due a run in the under 20s this weekend, Saints have some other lads knocking on the door.

“Gary Wheeler and Magennis are pushing really hard from the outside. Wheeler got a bang against Leeds and since then had a few knocks.

“Joe Greenwood is pushing all the time, we took Anthony Walker to France with us.

"Carl Forster has played two 80 minute stints for Swinton and been outstanding. So we have a bit of strength in depth,” he said.

Saints leap-frogged Catalan to take third on points difference, but they remain three league points behind second-placed Warrington.

A top two placing gets a home semi-final.

Rush added: “We are going to need some luck to get any higher because it is out of our hands.

“We just have to cross our fingers and hope we can jump another place before the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Foster got off to a winning start to his month long spell on loan at Hull. The out of favour Saints wing kicked six goals and created a try in their win at neighbours Hull KR.