SAINTS boss Kristian Woolf has praised scrum half Theo Fages’ performances in the red vee this term.

His singled out the French half back’s kicking game during the win over Toronto on Saturday and spelled out the things that he has been able to work on and refine.

That seems to be paying dividends, with the number seven taking more of a lead in executing the last tackle plays.

Woolf said: “A real positive for us was that through the full pre-season we did not have Lachlan Coote or Jonny Lomax, by the time they got back to full training it was two weeks before we trialled.

“What that allowed was for Theo to build a really good relationship with young Lewis Dodd – and that will certainly help Lewis when he gets his opportunity.

“It allowed Lewis to get some real confidence in terms of him the rest of the group what he wanted them to do, but also it allowed Theo to build a little bit into his game in terms of how he is going to control sets and how he is going finish sets.

“We are getting some rewards from that at the moment. You don’t have to plan to not have Cootey there – one of your spine players – but we started without him and James Roby,

“Those other blokes have worked hard and developed parts of their game and Theo is doing a really good job.”

There was also praise for young number seven Lewis Dodd, who has been impressing in the reserves and will eventually get his first team chance this season.

St Helens Star:

“Lewis is certainly doing a terrific job. He has had a great pre-season and is a bloke that has impressed me ever since I have got here.

“He is a terrific young player who is going to have a Super League future. At some stage this year he will play for us – and when he does I will have no doubts that he will do a really good job,” Woolf said.