Holbrook arrives in the nick of time
Alex Wamsley is set to come off the bench
New St Helens boss Justin Holbrook thinks he has arrived at just the right time as his new club prepare for Thursday’s home game against Wigan.
Saints head into the game on the back of an impressive 45-0 victory over Hull on Saturday and Holbrook is hoping for more of the same against the Warriors.
“I was fortunate enough to get here in time for the Magic Weekend and I said after the game what a great concept I thought that was – it was a great weekend and then I roll into a local derby,” he told the club’s official website.
“It is huge for both Saints and Wigan and I’m sure it will be a good game. They have got a good football team and Shaun (Wane) must be a good coach to have them firing the way they have.
“It’s well documented how many players they have out and that is probably why they are sitting where they are.
“But this club wasn’t happy with where they were sitting and that’s why I am here. They expect to be near the top as they are a proud, successful club. We are working hard to climb up the ladder.
“It has been easier to come into training after a win on Saturday. It is always more enjoyable after you have won. As the next couple of days roll around, we will get down to it because we know we are in for a tough game.
“We came through okay. Jonny Lomax is one we would love to have back but I’m not sure if he will be able to make it on time. If he does it would be a great addition. If he runs out of time then I am happy with who we have got and how we ran at the weekend.
“We did our review today and saw some areas we could improve in. The players bought into it and it gives me more reason to hope that the players can play better.
“People say it is a cliche to take it week-by-week, but being a new coach at the club it is the only choice. I have to try and change things a little bit and make sure we are in a better position as a team and a club.
“If we play well, play like we did on Saturday, then we will be in a good position. That is the challenge and we have to make sure we keep aiming up. Then we can string some wins together.”