POWERFUL packman Atelea Vea produced his best performance of the year against Hull after switching to a new role up the middle.

And it is a job coach Keiron Cunningham sees the 29-year-old Tongan more suited to going forward into his third year at Langtree Park.

Vea made a big impact when he joined Saints from London ahead of the 2015 campaign, with his tackle-busting runs being a big feature.

After battling back from two significant injuries in that first campaign to produce some explosive displays, this year has been flat.

This has prompted Cunningham to switch Vea to a new role - and that paid dividends on both sides of the ball on Friday night.

Cunningham said: “Friday was probably Tils’ best game this year so I am pleased for him.

“The whole purpose of this is trying to get Tils to find his mojo again.

“He struggled a little bit defending on the edge so I am trying to help him out by chucking him in the middle.

“His carry is good, he has good late footwork and his play the ball is good.

“He defending well now, buddying up with Big Al and working hard through that middle.

“I have been trying to squeeze his minutes and he is getting there now and getting that engine for the middle of the field.

“He is an absolute champion, real heart-on-sleeve guy.

“It has not worked for him in the back row but he is just coming to now at a good time.”