Can Saints go marching on?
26 Mar 2019
St Helens are the only unbeaten team in Super League heading into Round 8, they’ve scored over 20 points in every game so far this season, and their last two games have seen them score 40 points or more.
St Helens' name is one of those that’s synonymous with success, along with their rivals Wigan Warriors. Last year, even though Saints won the League Leaders’ Shield, it was Wigan’s year, it was written in the stars with Shaun Wane leaving and superstars, Sam Tomkins leaving for Catalans, John Bateman and Ryan Sutton leaving for Canberra Raiders.
Saints lost Ben Barba in the off-season but quickly replaced him with North Queensland Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote, he’s played a different role to last year’s Man of Steel winner though, who looked irreplaceable at times last year.
Barba’s individuality was there for all to see, as was his ability to win games on his own, but he has been replaced by a fullback whose team performances and creativity for the whole team has been evident, especially his fans… “Coo-ooo-te.??
Coote’s performances have been impressive, his teams’ performances have been emphatic in defence and attack, they’ve currently scored the most tries and most points, whilst only two metres behind Salford Red Devils for the most metres made.
Saints’ hooker James Roby is the most consistent performer in Super League, backed-up by the Man of Steel standings as he sits at the summit, three points ahead of Castleford hooker, Paul McShane.
Justin Holbrook’s faith in Theo Fages has been repaid with his performances, he’s made 8 try assists in seven appearances so far, and has scored two tries, while his half-back partner Jonny Lomax has assisted six tries and assisted five tries.
On the wings, last year’s Golden Boot winner, Tommy Makinson has made 946 metres in seven games. Saints’ try-scoring exploits have been spread across the field with the England international only scoring two tries, on the other wing Regan Grace’s form was rewarded with a new contract, he’s scored six tries and made 10 clean breaks.
The highlights as @Saints1890 beat Castleford! #NewBeginnings
Get your tickets for the rematch at Magic Weekend! 👉 https://t.co/MOudKTSHrj pic.twitter.com/vTCj3kAKlS
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 23, 2019
Mark Percival and new signing from the NRL, Kevin Naiqama have been solid in the centres, between them they have scored six tries and well over 1000 metres.
The intensity and relentlessness in the forwards have set the tone for the backs; Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Dominique Peyroux, LMS, Joseph Paulo, and Zeb Taia.
While, the return of Alex Walmsley and the continued form of Luke Thompson have labelled the pair the best props in Super League…
The consistent performances throughout the team have been impressive; and when called upon, youngsters; Matty Costello, Aaron Smith and Jack Ashworth have all put in a shift to help Saints remain unbeaten.
Saints’ goal this season surely will be a Grand Final win and going on the start of season form it will be hard to deny them, but nothing was ever won at the start of the season and there’ll surely be plenty of twists and turns before October 12.
