SAINTS’ players are carrying on training this week, while a number of other clubs not featuring in next Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final have given their troops time off.

And head coach Justin Holbrook is excited about the weeks ahead as Saints continue their bid for a top-four finish and a place in the semi-finals.

“We’ll train as normal. Nothing hard on the players because it was a huge effort against Leeds,” he said while reporting no injuries from the 16-14 loss at Headingley on Friday night.

Although disappointed about the loss at Leeds, he was philosophical about the bigger picture ahead of the next fixture at home to Challenge Cup Finalists Wigan on September 1.

“We’re probably no worse off in the table, one point away from the four,” he said.

“We’ve got to make our luck and Leeds did a great job at that on Friday.

“I thought they played really well and took their chances, so that’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to keep playing well and you can make your own luck.

“We’ve got to get a bit of that happening and get a couple of wins together, very similar to last time after Leeds. We had to put some wins together and we did so we’re in the same position.

“It’s an exciting Super 8s time, that’s for sure, as everyone can beat everyone.

“I’d much rather be a bit more comfortable but it’s exciting for the game and even for us.

“I’m disappointed we lost but I’m still excited for the Wigan game next and then the remaining three, so I think there’s going to be some pretty exciting games ahead all round.”

Although Saints lost no ground on the third and fourth place clubs Hull and Wakefield, who have also lost this weekend, they have been caught from behind.

Wigan are now level on points, though still a place behind on points difference, while Huddersfield are now back in the mix just two points adrift in eighth place.

And Saints' slender hopes of a home semi final, through a second-place finish, now appear to be over as they trail Leeds by seven points with four games remaining.