EAMON O'Carroll says it is in the Saints players' hands whether they use the win at Wakefield to kick on for the remaining games of the season.
Saints produced an unexpected 46-16 winning scoreline at Belle Vue against a side that are challenging for a top-four finish.
It was a result that ended a three-match losing streak and marked the first victory under Eamon O'Carroll as the interim head coach.
The celebrations between the players, coaches, owner, and fans at the end were a sign of the relief all round that Saints had returned to winning ways – and in some style.
"I've said that to the players, that's their decision ultimately," said O'Carroll.
"We'll prepare them the best we can but I always say there is a part in the week where we hand the baton over to them and if they turn up with the attitude that they have done for the last couple of weeks – take results out of it, I'm talking about the work we're doing and the way we're going about our business in training – it was never going to be a quick fix, but that's certainly given us more belief now.
"It's important to reference that the reason why we won that game is because we were willing to go to a place where we've probably not been to yet and put ourselves through a little bit, and we get the reward at the back end of the game."
O'Carroll explained more about what he meant by 'going to a place they've probably not been to yet'.
He said: "Where you're in a game and you're under pressure.
"We've not really had that because games have been out of our reach.
"And we mentioned the Wigan game.
"We mentioned about walking off with your head held high and we went out swinging in that game, regardless of result.
"I think that's the expectation at this club, regardless of who is and who isn't wearing the jersey, that there's a way that you perform.
"And they did that on Saturday and got their reward for it as well."
He said there had not been a gloom hanging over the club that some might think there has been.
"I think it's magnified from yourselves, the media etc," said O'Carroll.
"We understand the position we're in and why.
"There's a couple of teams throughout the year that have lost one or two individuals and they've had a massive dip in form.
"We've lost eight or nine, so we understand it.
READ MORE
>Sailor and Welsby selection dilemma highlighted again in Wakefield win
"We just have to stay calm and keep our feet on the ground and understand the reasons why we might be underperforming.
"It's certainly not an excuse but there's reasons as to why that's happening.
"When you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I think this period could be one of the best that the club has been through because it allows you to build and understand why you're in this position and move forward and not do that again."
Share