THEO Fages’ bright start to the season has made plenty sit up and take note.

But coach Justin Holbrook wants the French scrum half, who is out of contract at the end of this season, to remain a Saint.

The French international, who was largely reduced to a role off the bench last term, has grabbed his chance at seven with both hands this year.

A dogged little tackler, and with a willingness to take the ball into the teeth of the defence to create openings for the men outside him, Fages has been a key component of Saints’ unbeaten start.

Holbrook said: “I can’t wrap Theo enough enough this year.

“I want him to stay - he has been a great little player and has been a big part in how we have started the year so well.”

Meanwhile fellow half back Danny Richardson, whom Fages has displaced at the start of this campaign, has produced back-to-back man of the match performances at Leigh.

“Danny is playing well at Leigh now and that is what we need; competition for places.

“When called upon he will be coming back into our side playing well.

“We have definitely seen Danny’s mood go up in the past couple of weeks and that is good to see,” Holbrook said.