SAINTS will be looking to maintain their winning start to the season when they entertain a new-look Leeds Rhinos on Friday night (7.45pm).

Leeds endured a dreadful 2018, which saw them slump into the middle eights for the second time in three years.

And in response they have brought in a new coach from the NRL in David Furner along with new recruits Konrad Hurrell, Trent Merrin and Tuimoala Lolohea.

After opening this year with defeats by Warrington and Wigan, they began to click into gear with a win over erstwhile league leaders Salford on Sunday.

Saints coach Justin Holbrook said they are preparing for a tough game against a side loaded with star quality.

He said: “I went over and had a look at Leeds on Sunday and they seemed to have hit their straps after being a bit shaky the first few games.

“With new players and a new coach it is going to take them a while to find their feet.

“But they clicked into gear on Sunday and showed what they are capable of.

“Hurrell and Merrin have been trying so hard, but with Lolohea it will take him a while, with him being a half, to gel with those players around him.

“But those other two have done all they can to get Leeds some wins early in the year.

“For Dave Furner it is hard, he will want to put his own stamp on the team. But they are a side with quality everywhere and they will get better as the year goes on.

“They will be disappointed with last year and their opening two games of this, but they showed at Salford on Sunday what they are capable of.

“We will be preparing for the best on Friday – Leeds always play well against us so it is up to us to make sure we respond.”

Saints opened up with a win over Wigan backed up by a late triumph at Wakefield.

And barring any late mishaps Holbrook will stick with the same 17 for the visit of the Rhinos

He explained: “Early in the year it is about trying to find a bit of rhythm and with us having new players ourselves it is going to take us a while.

“We are going to get better as the year goes on.

“Over the next few weeks it is about getting the wins up and keeping getting better each week.”

Leeds were the first team to beat Saints last season, triumphing 28-20 at TWS.