SAINTS coach Keiron Cunningham talked to the Star’s Mike Critchley about the team’s unbeaten start, the challenge of Warrington and the role of Lance Hohaia.

MC: Having reviewed it, what did you make of the Widnes game?

KC: I thought we played really well, apart from the last 18 minutes of the first half when we seemed to capitulate slightly.

It was the best we had started all year if you look at our completion rate.

We just dropped our standards a little bit with a few little things in the second quarter of the game.

We had a talk at half time and all the boys had a good look at themselves and went out and did the right things.

MC: That was a quite a start to the second half?

KC: Brilliant. We were untouchable at times and that gives me some selection headaches on the back of that.

Wakefield and Widnes have traditionally been banana skins, but the attitude that our boys have taken to those games has been sensational.

The players should be proud of themselves – five games in and unbeaten in Super League. That should be the challenge to look at the next five and go through those unbeaten, because there is no reason why not if we always do the right things.

MC: Playing Warrington must take it up a notch with them being fellow title rivals?

KC: 100 per cent. It makes my job easier this week because my players know it is a big game.

They all enjoy the big matches and that is why they are here at Saints.

MC: Ashton Sims has added something to Wolves' pack and Ben Westwood is back to his best again?

KC: I always thought Ben Westwood was a middle player – and this year he has gone into that role and grasped it with two hands.

Then you have Sims who has given them a bit of steel, so when you put him with Chris Hill it means there will be some big boppers in that middle and some forwards that we have to try and get over the top of.

But we are not small pack ourselves and we have stood up to some big packs this year already.

As long as my boys turn up and do the job they have done in past five rounds, I am sure we can do the job.

MC: Kyle Amor and James Roby come straight back in, but that brings a selection headache for you?

KC: Yes, I thought Matty Dawson was outstanding on the wing and Lance Hohaia did a great job at nine and is a good utility player. Andre Savelio had a really good stint in the second half, Greg Richards does a great job as did back rowers Tils and Joe.

In the front row Big Al is just unstoppable this year and Mose has had two great games in a row, so you would like to think he will step up again. It is going to be tough picking 17, but that’s what I am paid for.

MC: Travis Burns’ vision and long passing game is something that has been lacking for a good while.

KC: I knew we were missing something in that department that’s why I wanted to bring him in.

Although Lance can drop into play half I don’t think he is comfortable playing there.

I believe Lance is better in the utility role especially nine where he is most suited.

Of course he can do a super job if called on to play half or full back, if needed, but I think he enjoys that nine role.