SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook was understandably delighted after seeing his side, missing eight key men, ruthlessly put the Catalans Dragons to the sword.
With skipper for the day Alex Walmsley and veteran Zeb Taia leading the way, Saints’ young guns Jack Welsby, Aaron Smith and Matty Costello excelled as they came back from an early 6-0 deficit to rattle in 50 points.
Costello bagged a hat-trick, while Adam Swift, Taia, Smith, Theo Fages, Dom Peyroux and Welsby all crossed the whitewash in an emphatic display.
A young @Saints1890 side put 50 past Catalans in a 50-14 victory 👏 #SLStHCat #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/KA3wR02txL
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 28, 2019
The comprehensive manner of the victory showed the depth of the squad which has left Holbrook with a nice selection headache for the coming weeks.
Holbrook said: “I am really happy with the boys today. We made some changes to give some of the boys opportunities.
“Off back of the two Easter games – especially given the heat – we worked with performance team to pick best 17 to win the game and that is whaty we did. It worked out well.
“We were confident that everyone would play well and they did.
“Big Al led from the front and Zeb Taia stepped it up.
“All the young guys were great – Jack Welsby, Matt Costello and Aaron Smith. I had complete confidence in them, and was happy to give them an opportunity.
“It was also about being fresh after Easter and it worked well today.”
Theo Fages returned after a lengthy absence and he and Danny Richardson worked well in the halves in the absence of Jonny Lomax and Lachlan Coote.
Holbrook said: “It was great to have Theo back – he has missed a few weeks now after starting the season so well. It was good to have him back out there today which gave us the luxury of not having to play Jonny.
“We had eight players out today – eight of our best – to get a win like that we are definitely very happy.
“Today’s display does give me a selection headache, but that is good.
“It shows the value of a good squad, so that when you give guys some opportunities they really want to be in the side.
“That is the most pleasing thing as a coach – we don’t just have 17 players we have a squad and everyone wants to be part of it.”
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With Roby again rested, in a policy that shows the determination to keep their skipper fresh for the crunch games, Smith again stepped in effectively at nine.
And once again he came up with the good, even bagging a try as a reward.
Holbrook said: “I knew before the season started what a great young player Aaron Smith was and that he would be getting some games this year. He showed again today why he deserves it.”
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