SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook was delighted to get his first Challenge Cup game off to a winning start with a 36-18 triumph at Castleford.

Holbrook said: “I thought the first half was the fastest half we have played in all year

"It was a really tough game and Cas game out firing which we knew they would do. It is a tough place to come and play so to go in 12-0 up was a real big effort from us.

“We kicked away a little in the second half too so I was really happy.

“The Cup's priority for us is as high as you can get but that is no different from every other team that is still in it. We have a few more games to play in this competition though but I am definitely happy to get a good win here today.

"We put everything into it and got a good win.”

There was special praise for man of the match Ben Barba, who scored a hat-trick.

He said: "Ben Barba was very good today. He has been playing fantastic and he did it again today. It was great to watch.

“Great players make those around them play better and he is a great influence on our team.

"He is a very intelligent guy with his rugby league and is great to work with. I can’t rap him enough and he showed it agin today.”

When asked about the difference between this game and the one 12 nonths ago when Saints were trounced 53-10, Holbrook replied: "It was tough for the boys this time last year.

"Last year I watched back home and thought right fromn the start that our boys tried too hard and Cas were on fire this time last year.

"As a group we must have thought last year that they would come here and try and outplay them and it didn't work.

"I was still looking forward to coming over- although that was hard to watch.

"But that is all done and dusted.

"It was good to see them play really well today."