Makinson thinks defence is key against Castleford

Tommy Makinson wants St Helens to improve their defensive game as they come up against free-scoring Castleford Tigers this weekend.

The 24 year-old was back on the scoresheet as he crossed in the Saints’ 31-22 win against Hull Kingston Rovers last Friday, a game in which was a battle for Keiron Cunningham‘s side. 

St Helens come up against a Tigers side that have scored over 70 points in their last two games, and Makinson says they need to tighten up their defensive part of their game if they are to take the two points.

“They are a great side with a fair number of strike players,” Makinson told St Helens‘ official website.

“They like to give the ball some air time – and it works with good finishers, halves and forwards. We will have to get our defence right against them and then we can move the ball. It is important for us to pick up as many points as we can.”

Makinson is back to full fitness after an injury hit 2015, and is working on a new centre-wing partnership with new signing Dominique Peyroux, a combination which Makinson says is working well.

“I’m enjoying being back out there with my teammates. It’s been good to strike up a partnership with Dominique Peyroux too,” he said. 

“I have been blessed over the years to play with some really good centres. Michael Shenton, Jordan Turner and Mark Percival – and now I have a great one in Dominique Peyroux.

“I have to be honest and say I hadn’t heard of him before he came over but that he was an NRL player and decent one at that.

“He has added a lot to our team. He is strong, defends well and has a nice skillset. I’m enjoying playing for him and he can only do good things for us.”