SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook has once again underlined that the link-up with Leigh, in the absence of reserves, is the next best thing for players missing out on first team selection.

Last week saw plenty of discussion around the strategy — particularly centring around last year’s Dream Team number seven Danny Richardson.

The 22-year-old, who has been nudged from the first team by French international Theo Fages, was one of five Saints turning out for the Leythers on Sunday.

He was joined in the 29-20 win over Featherstone by dual reg players Aaron Smith, Jack Ashworth and Matty Costello, plus loanee Luke Douglas.

Holbrook said: “There’s been a bit of talk about boys having to play there – and because it is not seen as our club, a big deal is made of it.

“But in the NRL if you are not in the top 17 you have to play for the feeder club to earn a way back in.

“They have to go and play. It would be worse for Danny if he wasn’t playing.

“It is not ideal – but in the absence of reserves it is the next best thing.

“It’s the best situation we have got and we have to make it work.”

With Holbrook outlining that he is not going to change his team for the visit of Leeds, Richardson is again expected to play at Leigh at the weekend when they take on big-spending Toronto Wolfpack at LSV.

When asked if there is anything Richardson specifically needs to work on to regain his spot, Holbrook explained: “It is just the all round game – nothing in particular.

“As I said at the start of the year, his pre-season was disrupted so Theo got the jump on him there.

“That is the way we wanted to start the season.

“It is only two games in but it has worked well so far, it is up to Danny to fight his way back in.”

Meanwhile, although Douglas’ one-month loan spell at Leigh finished at the weekend he will continue on at the Championship outfit on a week-to-week basis.

The veteran front rower, who scored a try in the win over Featherstone, has been praised for his attitude by both Saints boss Justin Holbrook and Leigh counterpart John Duffy.

Players across the age spectrum have been benefiting from the link up with the Centurions.

“It is great for the young guys, not to be playing their age group any more but grown men – and they are playing a very good standard Championship.

“They are at a good club in Leigh – it is good for any player, even established players like Luke Douglas who has been outstanding for them.

“And even for Danny, a quality Super League player, it is about going back and getting their confidence back and knowing that when they get their shot they are ready to go and that is why we need them playing.

“They all want to be in our team – we have just got to get them games when we can. It was the same last year when Aaron Smith had to go League 1 with York, Super League with Hull KR and then championship with Featherstone before coming back here to play with us.

“And Aaron would have had a lot more games had he not got injured because he had a great game in Catalans."