TAKE a bow Jack Welsby, after an outstanding performance on Friday against arch rivals Wigan.

Unsurprisingly, like any young player who explodes on the scene, there is always talk about NRL which can quite often distract the player and therefore his performance.

However, Jack has declared his full commitment to Saints while in contract, and Friday certainly proved that focus.

There is no doubt, there are still improvements to be made in his game, but his coach Paul Wellens praised Jack’s attitude and work ethic to do just that.

At just 22 years old, he made his 100th Saints appearance in the derby thrashing of the Warriors.

He will certainly remember that milestone and the performance he delivered, with two tries, a number of try assists including a majestical pass for Tommy Makinson, and to top it picked up the Betfred Man of the match award.

One of the points made by Wello, aimed at Jack but also the whole team, was their ability to do the simple things well.

Their skill level and intensity on attack was clear to see , no doubt highlighted the extra focus and will to win against our biggest rivals.

Add to that, the aggressive line speed and connectivity in defence which showed with the total dominance in attacking field position.

I had the pleasure to be studio guest on Sky for the game, and see throughout the stats which clearly showed Saints were far superior.

At half time, one of the stats was play the balls in the opposition 20metres …which painted a picture alone, Saints having 37 in opposed to Wigan’s measly 11!

The champions no doubt put on a show, but I’ve got to say this current Wigan side has got to be one of the poorest in the club's history.

Their whole attack is based around getting the ball in the hands of French & Field…albeit twice off kicks their blistering pace winning the race to the ball to cross the whitewash.

Wigan have a number of injury problems at the moment no doubt but as I said after the game, this Wigan forward pack isn’t good enough, and we’re totally dominated by the Saints engine room.

A special mention to Iggy Paasi who I thought was outstanding after his introduction from the bench.

So, focus now switches to the Betfred Challenge Cup and the challenge of Hull FC. Saints are certainly back on form after two clinical wins against Huddersfield at Magic and of course Wigan last week, but Hull who have had mixed form of late are not a team to take lightly.

They convincingly beat league leaders Warrington two week ago, then this week went down to probably the form team in Betfred Super League, the Leigh Leopards...but as history has proven the Challenge Cup has a tendency to ignore the form book.

I’m obviously backing the Saints to win and be in the hat for the semi finals. I’m saying by 16 points or more (7/4 at Betfred).

In the other three quarter finals, Leigh face the only Betfred Championship side left in the competition, York Knights. I can only see one winner here, the Leopards.

Salford will be looking to repeat their recent Super League win over Hull KR, and with the current form of Paul Rowley’s team I can’t disagree. Salford by 6 points or more is my forecast which is 6/4 at Betfred.

In the final quarter final, Wigan host rivals Warrington and will be desperate to turn in a better performance than they showed on Friday.

However, I think Wire might just sneak this. So I'm thinking Warrington to win by 6 points or more (2/1 at Betfred) Shock horror...the Saints are clear favourites to lift the iconic trophy at Wembley come August... and title sponsors Betfred have them well backed in to 2/1.