AFTER the enormous highs of winning the World Club Challenge, Saints have certainly come crashing back down to earth with a bang, losing two of their three opening Betfred Super League games.

Paul Wellens was always aware of the task ahead after taking over the reins after four years at the top, but I’ve every faith in my old mate to quickly turn this early season blip round.

After the one point loss to the Leeds Rhinos, followed by last weekend's 20-12 defeat to the newly-promoted Leigh Leopards, the problem has been obvious....our lack of discipline, simple as that.

Both games we were dominating and both games winning by 12 points, before poor indiscipline piggy-backed the opposition back in the games. three sin-binnings and one sending off, resulting in three players being suspended and one cautioned.

St Helens Star:

Wello has publicly addressed this issue and demanded it is something that must change - and quickly.

One of Saints biggest strengths, and one of the reasons we have been so dominant over the past four years is our relentless, aggressive defence.

However, there is a fine line between being controlled-aggressive and reckless…and just lately too many have crossed that line.

The players showed great heart and grit to grind out a tough win against Castleford the week after returning from Australia, but now three weeks in, a WCC hangover can no longer be used as a reason.

It’s up to the players to get back to what they do best and get back to being the champions they are.

There is no better way of doing that than in front of the Totally Wicked faithful against a confidence-shot Hull FC on Friday.

FC, now under the leadership of the most experienced Super League coach Tony Smith, suffered one of their heaviest defeats last weekend, humiliated 60-14 by the Salford Red Devils.

The black and whites I have always regarded as one of the ‘big’ clubs in the Betfred Super League, but one that's always massively underachieved.

Talking to Tony Smith at the Betfred Super League launch, he addressed the shift in culture at the club..something he said had to change if they were to achieve their potential, but after that showing last week you have to wonder...

So, it’s two bruised egos coming head to head, and no doubts Hull will think there’s no better time to play the champions and get their season underway, but I’m saying different!

I’m going for Wello and his boys to bounce back with both, a good performance and win by 18 points or more which is 4/5 at Betfred.

Meanwhile I notice our title sponsors are sticking with Saints to win the Grand Final for a fifth year. Betfred have them 15/8 favourites ahead of Wigan at 10/3 and the early unbeaten front runners Wire and Catalans at 4/1 and 9/1 respectively.