MATT Dawson says Steve Prescott and Luke Walsh will provide inspiration to the Saints players as they seek success at Hull FC on Friday night.

The Steve Prescott Cup, in honour of the former Saints and Hull full back, will be up for grabs for the first time.

To be awarded each year to the team having the highest aggregate score in the two regular Super League meetings, Saints hold a 12-point advantage from the first-leg victory at Langtree Park in February.

And as on that occasion, his sons Taylor and Koby will be mascots, while his brother Neil will carry the match ball on to the pitch.

“The boys will be out to put in a good performance for Prekky,” said 23-year-old winger or centre Dawson, who is gearing for his 15th appearance in the red V in his debut Saints campaign

“It means a lot to us. Prekky is a legend around here and it’s a big honour to play for his name. Hopefully we can do the game justice.”

With one of Prescott’s old boots, in gold leaf, at stake it adds to what is already a tough outing for Nathan Brown’s men.

Although third from bottom, Hull have come into some form and pushed some top teams close recently.

And with Saints putting to the test a new starting half-back pair in the shape of Jordan Turner and Gary Wheeler, the win needed to stay ahead of Leeds Rhinos at the summit looks to be a tricky challenge.

Dawson said: “They have struggled at some times this year but in games they’ve lost they have not been far away and they got a draw at Castleford last week.

“Cas are no mugs, so they’re obviously trying to get a bit of form together.

“I’ve not played at the KC Stadium before, but been 18th man for games so I’ve experienced the atmosphere. The crowd can be hostile at times. We just need to think about ourselves and keep pushing.”

The former Huddersfield flyer agrees with his boss that Saints have what it takes to overcome the loss of chief playmaker Walsh from the team following his leg break.

“It’s obviously a blow to lose someone of Luke’s quality,” he said.

“We know we’ve got the lads in the team to come in and replace him. Gary Wheeler and Jordan Turner went to six and seven against Widnes after Luke got injured and I thought they did a great job.

“Hopefully they can try and keep that combination going for the rest of the season and do our best for Luke. We’re all sorry for what’s happened to him but we’ll pull together even more now and try to do it for Luke.”