EX-Saints stand off Leon Pryce has come to the defence of former teammate Jon Wilkin following the skipper’s treatment at last night’s victory over Huddersfield.

A section of the crowd cheered ironically when Wilkin’s name was read out to be substituted.

Although it sounded like there was no actual booing, it was a clearly audible reaction on both of the occasions when he left the field.

Although Wilkin’s industrious workrate went unnoticed – his loose pass, dropped ball and kick into touch on the full did not.

Pryce empathised with his former colleague, stating that when he was booed during the last game for Bulls, it took him months to come to terms with it.

Pryce said: “I understand the fans pay good money to say and shout whatever they want within reason but really….boo a player who has played so many games for the club is poor form in my opinion.

“I understand that fans may not be happy and have a right to express that but from a player’s point of view you don’t walk on to the field wanting to play poor or mistakes, or do anything wrong.

“And there may be lots of reasons why a player struggles in a game or a season.

“They don’t just walk off the field and forget about it, you think about it every second of the day, every day until you finally let it go, which in my case took four months.

“For the amount of hard graft Wilko has put into playing for Saints, he never deserves that.

“Just so disappointing to hear as the Saints fans are so close to my heart and treat me the best I’ve ever experienced.

“Support people when they are down, don’t put the boot in!

“Sorry, thought I had to say something as Jon is a nice bloke, friend and I don’t think he deserves that.”