SAINTS boss Keiron Cunningham paid tribute to his side's resilience and unity in the way they defended their way to a 6-4 win over Leeds Rhinos on the opening night of Super League.

After falling behind to a first half Joel Moon try, Saints began to win the arm-wrestle in the second half and an early second half touchdown from Theo Fages gave them a lead to defend.

Cunningham said: "It wasn't pretty at times but we worked exceptionally hard.

"The resilience of the players is second to none.

"I was a little bit disappointed with certain aspects of the first half but the penalty count was 7-2 at half-time and once the possession evened itself out, I thought we would come through and I think we deserved the result."

Saints went into the game with a fledgling half back pairing of Fages and Danny Richardson and both showed nice touches.

But they were further hampered by the loss of England full-back Jonny Lomax who took a clonk to the head just before half-time and came off with concussion.

Cunningham was pleased with his young halves, supported well by skipper Jon Wilkin through the middle at loose forward.

"I was pleased with both the halves," he said. "The game plan we gave them was really simple and they stuck to it.

"Danny was great and Theo was brilliant. He took his try well and I thought his defence was outstanding."

Cunningham caused a few raised eye-brows by starting with Tommy Lee at nine rather than England hooker James Roby but he explained: "I thought the combination of bringing big Al and Roby on changed the complexion of the game."