Lachlan Coote dominated affairs as Saints put forward a statement of intent against rivals Wigan on Sunday.

It was a comprehensive 24-6 win over the Warriors, as we look to chase down the Catalan Dragons at the top of the Betfred Super League table.

So much for summer rugby! It was like a throwback to matches of yesteryear in the driving torrential rain.

This certainly didn’t help the skill level as it was errors galore from both sides.

Personally it was great to be back at the Totally Wicked Stadium watching a derby game with our club partners AFEX.

However, it was very different atmosphere with no Wigan fans in attendance...but the Saints faithful certainly made enough noise for both as their team dominated proceedings. They certainly enjoyed the win against a struggling Wigan side who have now gone five games without a win.

One massive boost for the champions was the return of Mark Percival. He picked up the Man of the Match award following his return from a niggling hamstring injury.

Despite a couple of unforced errors, probably just trying too hard, I thought he looked strong and sharp. I’m an enormous fan of Percy, and love his competitive streak...something that paid off early in the game as his aggressive kick chase forced a Wigan error and let to the opening try for Regan Grace.

Another outstanding individual performer was the aforementioned Coote.

After being in the press all week regarding his future from 2022 onwards, he did what great players do and let his footy do the talking. He scored 16 of Saints’ 24 points with a try and six goals.

I echo the sentiments of coach Kristian Woolf who said Coote is integral to the successes of the team in the past few seasons, consistently brilliant from the full back role.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Saints in 2019 from North Queensland Cowboys, is out of contract at the end of the current season, and is rumoured to be unhappy with the new terms offered by the club.

Understandably, this has triggered interest from elsewhere, with Tony Smith at Hull KR keen to take the Aussie onboard.

Maybe after yet another outstanding performance with both hands and feet, the Saints hierarchy may be willing to renegotiate.

I’d certainly love to see Lachlan stay in the Red Vee.

The top of the Betfred Super League was getting very interesting with the Catalan Dragons in great form only dropping one game in 2021, Saints only one win behind...then Warrington who were on a six game winning run…until last night!

They were completely outplayed against an improved Leeds Rhinos side, and yet again shown the inconsistency that has never won them a Super League title.

On to Friday and it’s a tough away trip to Wakefield for the Saints. This is a game we should clearly win if preparation and attitude are on point. I’m going for a 20 points or more win for the travelling champions...a 6/4 shot with title sponsors Betfred!