TAKE a bow Matty Lees, who put in what coach Paul Wellens described as an ‘iconic’ performance during Saints win away at Huddersfield.

The 25 year old prop, is reputed to have turned down numerous offers from the NRL, instead signing a new deal to keep him a Saint until at least 2025....and that's just great as far as I'm concerned.

Lees, who originated from Rochdale, put in a shift and a half against the Giants, registering a phenomenal 68 tackles, playing the full 80 minutes following the first minute withdrawal of Sione Mata’utia with a head injury.

Wello said he left Matty out there for the full duration as he never saw any slowing down or signs of fatigue.

He even went as far as to compare his fitness levels and energy to that of former Super League legendary front-rowers James Graham and Stuart Fielden.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matty on the England programmes, firstly in 2018 when we toured Papua New Guinea with the England Knights - and it was clear to see back then he only knows one way….full tilt!

Watching Matty come through the ranks at Saints it was obvious he was going all the way.

Not only his ability on both attack and defence, but his commitment to his profession and his willingness to work as hard as possible was always going to ensure he would make it as one of the best props in the world game.

Lees certainly took it to the Giants as Saints claimed two points at the John Smiths Stadium and in doing so climbed back into the top half of the Betfred Super League table.

Huddersfield, who have been heavily fancied for silverware this season, love to play a very structured, controlled game with high completion rate and field position. So, it was always going to be an arm-wrestle of a game.

Unsurprisingly, when you are the team to beat, the opposition coaches are always working on how to combat the things you do well.

Ian Watson clearly wanted to try and control Saints ‘go-forward’ by slowing down the ruck. This frustrated the champions at times, forcing them to at times over-play when opportunity arose.

However, we always looked the most likely to post points when the chance came, and it was Konrad Hurrell who opened the scoring in the 27th minute after some soft hands by Jack Welsby.

This was followed four minutes later, with Hurrell this time the provider with a beautiful flick pass to Tommy Makinson, who squeezed in at the corner.

Saints looked to be heading into the break comfortably in charge at 12-0, however a lapse in concentration by Lewis Dodd allowed Ashton Golding to jump out of dummy half and get the Giants back into the game.

A Makinson penalty pushed Saints two scores clear again, and it proved decisive as Innes Senior crossed for a converted try in the 64th minute...but Saints held on to a 14-12 win.

It was a better performance than the previous three weeks for certain, but still not at the level we know the four-time champions are capable of.

This week should be an opportunity to gain some confidence and momentum as we face Betfred Super League basement boys Wakefield Trinity.

Wakey have yet to record a league point in 2023, losing all six of their opening fixtures including three games in which they have failed to score a point.

However, as we’ve all come to know in RL nothing can be taken for granted...remember Leigh a couple of weeks back!

I’m sure Paul Wellens will not underestimate this week's opponents. Instead, I’m sure all talk is about his team and what they do best, and if they carry out his instructions the result will take care of itself.

Wakefield half back Mason Lino is their talisman and someone Saints must control. However, I don’t think the Trinity pack can live with Lees & Co, and will again struggle to break down an aggressive Saints defence.

I’m going for a convincing 30 points or more win for Wello and his team (7/2 at Betfred).

Warrington Wolves remain the front runners this season, with a 100% winning record, and this weekend are showcasing on Channel 4 as they go for 7 from 7 against the dire Hull FC. The last time the Wire achieved an opening 7 wins from 7 games, they went on to lift the League Leaders Shield in 2016.

Still early days in the season, but it certainly has the feel of a completely different Warrington side than that of the relegation-threatened 2022 team.

For me, the obvious difference has been the forward pack, led by new Aussie signing Paul Vaughn who has been in outstanding form since round one. Their ability to roll teams down-field, allowing Darryl Clark and Danny Walker to jump from dummy half, or give half backs Josh Drinkwater and George Williams space to open up defences, has been the biggest difference. Add to that, a more intent, aggressive defensive line.

That all being said, they have yet to face either of the three best clubs in the Betfred Super League, Catalan, Wigan and Saints. We're all set for April 20 at the Totally Wicked Stadium…and what a game that should be!

Title sponsors Betfred still believe St Helens will make in five titles in a row and ate indeed 7/4 favourites, but have shortened both Wigan and Warrington to 10/3 for Grand Final glory