PREVIEW: Wellens on Saints selection for Huddersfield game

But after making a winning start against London Broncos, they expect Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants to be a tougher nut to crack.

The Giants, who will be battle-hardened from a tough win in an eventful game at Leigh Leopards, are traditionally a difficult opposition who complete sets and kick well, and try to force the opposition into tight corners.

They have also got a fair bit of strike in their ranks, not least from former Saints Adam Swift and Kevin Naiqama.

Coach Paul Wellens said: “Huddersfield going to Leigh and producing a good performance will give them confidence.

“The fact that it was a close game and a tight game will be of benefit to them as well.

“That’s something for us to take on board because our game was a little bit stop-start at the weekend.

“Since Ian Watson has gone there, Huddersfield have been a very difficult team to beat.

“They don’t cough up too much cheap possession and get through to the end of the sets and kick the ball very well and have a number of strong kicking options.

“And obviously of the back of that they have plenty of strike so it makes  Turn inside page them a very dangerous team and one we will respect at the weekend.”

Giants flankman Swift played alongside Wellens in the famous 2014 Grand Final success – and he is a player that continues to impress, having left Saints for Hull. And now he is in the Claret and Gold of the Fartowners.

Wellens said: “Adam’s career has had a bit of a renaissance in the last couple of years and it’s great to see. 

“He is a great lad and plenty of the players still keep in touch with him and have a great respect for him and it is great to see him doing well. 

“We will just have to limit how well he does on the weekend and but from his perspective, it’s great to see him playing so well and continuing to play well and backing up his form from last year. 

“He is one a few that we are going to have to keep a close eye on.”

Selection-wise Wellens could have a headache in who to leave out should Morgan Knowles and Moses Mbye both return.  Wellens said the pair are in contention and were set to train on Wednesday to give them an opportunity to show where they are at.

“All being well they will come into contention to play,” he said.

“But also at the same time the squad health is really strong at the moment, so if they are a little bit underdone and we feel that they need another we’ll give then we will give them that as well.

“So there’s no real pressure there but it gives us a few options.”

If both return then that would present a touch early selection headache.

Wellens said: “Probably one of the most difficult parts of the role that I have now is selection.

“It is sometimes very easy to not pick players when they’re perhaps not doing the right thing or have not played well for a couple of weeks. 

“But when you have to tap people on the shoulder who haven’t done anything wrong and tell them they are not in the team for the weekend it becomes a lot more of a difficult conversation. 

“Obviously, these are conversations that you have to have.

“But across the group we know that for us to be successful through the course of the year we’re going to need all hands on deck.

“Whilst certain players won’t play on the weekend and naturally will feel a bit disappointed, I’m sure that they’ll respond in the right way and put themselves in a position that when they are called upon they will do their best job for the team.”