SAINTS legend Paul Sculthorpe looks back at last week's win over Leeds and ahead to tonight's clash at Salford in his latest Star column.

WE certainly got a wake up call against the Rhinos last week- and let’s hope there is no repeat against a confident Salford Red Devil’s side at the AJBell on Thursday.

After a faultless first twenty minutes and leading 10-0, I could barely believe we went in at half time 22-10 behind. All credit to Leeds they kept fighting and asking questions of the Saints defence, in the second quarter causing some major problems. I’m sure Justin spoke at half-time about controlling the Rhinos pack and stopping the offloads, which were allowing hooker Brad Dwyer to exploit.

New marquee signing for the visitors, Konrad Hurrell was causing all sorts of problems for our right edge, following the early exit of Kevin Naiqama through injury.

All credit to Justin and his players though, and whatever was said at half-time as we kept the Rhinos pointless in the second half. So two weeks running now we have showed great character and resilience to get the points, and no doubt something we can call back on when needed again later in the season.

The big plus of course was the two tries in five minutes from Man of the Match, Alex Walmsley. Great testament to his hard work on the training ground and absolute dedication to get back to his very best after such a serious injury.

I personally think he looks in as good condition as I’ve seen him. Along with his fellow front rowers Luke Thompson and Matty Lees, I thought we dominated going forward in the second half, allowing James Roby more running opportunities, which will always cause the opposition a head ache!

So to Salford now. The Red Devils are a team playing with confidence, especially following their headline-grabbing comeback away at Hull KR.

Currently both teams are on 6 points with Salford playing an extra game.However other than their big defeat against Leeds, the only loss Salford had,I believe they have yet to be tested.

One thing I do know, they will always get up for a Saints visit. With numerous ex-Saints in the team, enthusiasm won’t be an issue...but if Saints show the clinical performance they showed in the first twenty last week I can’t see anything past extending their 100 per cent win record.

I’ll go for a 18pt margin (5/2 at Betfred), with Mark Percival favourite to score the first try at 12/1.

Title sponsors Betfred obviously see something in the Red Devils so far this season, slashing their odds of Grand Final glory from 100/1 to 66/1.

Finally, I’m sure the Saints fans will have enjoyed seeing history made on Sunday…at the expense of arch rivals the Wigan Warriors!

The Warriors went down 23-22 at home to Hull FC after a dramatic 83rd minute Mark Sneyd ‘Golden Point’ drop goal, the first in Super League history.

I believe we are in the entertainment industry and anyone at the DW on Sunday couldn’t deny that the new rule brought just that! I think all the changes introduced in 2019, including shot clock and reduction on interchanges have speed up the game up and seen the ball in play far longer. That’s what fans pay to see!