SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook was pleased with the manner in which they dispatched Huddersfield to climb into the top four.

Holbrook was particularly happy with the first hour, with Ben Barba showing a glimpse of his dazzling skills and Jonny Lomax getting his feet under the table at number 6.

It became a little scrappy in the final quarter, but Saints had the last word to record a 40-16 triumph.

Holbrook said: "I thought our first 55-60 minutes was really good.

"We have been working hard and had some positional changes.

"To finally see some of those combinations working was pleasing to see."

On Ben Barba's performance, Holbrook said: "I have said for a while that it would take him four games and he showed some really good signs there.

"He got tired there towards the end but he had showed what he was capable of tonight and we needed him to.

"I’m happy for him."

Lomax - centre last week – at stand off, partnering Danny Richardson, which meant Theo Fages dropped down to the bench.

He was content with how that partnership worked, with Lomax grabbing two tries.

“I thought Jonny Lomax was very good. It was always a tough call. I am a big fan of Theo’s – he hasn’t done anything wrong and we all know that.

“But I can see a lot in Jonny though and he deserved to play there. He went really well for us.

“We had some good combinations and played some good rugby league out there – in particularly that first 55-60 minutes.”

Saints travel to Salford on Thursday in a game they must win and then hope for a slip from Wigan or Hull to make the semis.

Holbrook: “It is very tight in the Super 8s but we have to crack on.

“Since I took over we have been consistent every week and that shows in the for and against column. I am happy with that.

“There have been a few dead rubbers in the Super 8s over the last years; but this year it is an exception.

"Every game has been vital and there have been some cracking games.

“If it happens like that every year you’d keep it wouldn’t you? It’s been great format this year.”