Justin Holbrook reveals what Danny Richardson needs to do for Saints chance
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
St Helens coach Justin Holbrook says Danny Richardson needs to impress while on dual-registration at Leigh if he is to edge his way back into the first-team.
The 22-year-old has yet to play for the Saints this season, with Holbrook instead opting for Theo Fages and Jonny Lomax in the halves as well as putting four forwards on the bench.
Richardson, who has kicked 147 goals in 47 games for Saints since making his debut in 2017, helped Leigh Centurions beat Featherstone Rovers last week via dual-registration.
“He’s got to work on all parts of his game,” Holbrook said. “He was out injured at the start of pre-season and Theo worked really hard and then when Danny was okay at the start of the season, I just went into round one thinking we were a bit more settled with Theo in there.
“There wasn’t much in it, Theo is a different type of player, but he has done the job for us and we have won three games out of three.
“In the end, you might not miss out by much and it’s just of matter of playing well to get back in.
“Championship is a good level and they have to play. If they are sitting and watching every week then they can’t get better. I’ve been happy watching their first few games, our boys have played well with Leigh and I expect it to continue.”
Holbrook also heaped praise of Alex Walmsley, who put in a man of the match performance to help Saints grind out a 27-22 win over Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.
“We had a fairly good season last year and to not have him since round five was a big blow for us,” Holbrook admitted.
“It is great to have him back. It’s good because I’ve seen how hard he’s worked. He was training really hard last year trying to get back for us and did everything he could to get out on the field.
“It’s good as a coach to see him get out there and come good after the long road he has been on. He played a massive part in us winning that game.
“Those two were probably the difference, I thought Matty Lees did well for us and James Roby was great. A couple of the big boys really stood up for us and I was happy to win the game.”