St Helens below par but happy to get win, says Justin Holbrook

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook admitted his sides performance was below par but is glad to pick up another two points following their win over Catalans.

Two tries from Regan Grace helped Saints beat Catalans Dragons 26-12 at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday night.

The win sees Saints remain at the top of the Super League table.

Speaking after the game, Holbrook said: “I thought both sides were below their best tonight, but the main thing was that we came away with the win.

“Both teams were below par and it is hard for us because we came off a couple of really big wins (against Huddersfield and Salford) and Catalans are a better team than where they sit in the table, so everyone assumed that it would be the same kind of result but we didn’t think that.

“I thought a lot of individuals were below their best but I can’t fault them. I’m just really happy to win that game.

“I don’t want to be too hard on the boys because it is a hard game to go into as a player and the fact that we were in control for most parts was the main thing.  I still think we came up with some good tries which is a pleasing thing.”

Tommy Makinson put in a standout performance for Saints, scoring a try as well as coming up with an assist, while Danny Richardson also put on a good show in the halves.

And Holbrook thinks the pair are certainly capable of making the step up to play for England on the international stage.

He added: “I will leave that to selectors, but from what Tommy has done for us this year, he has been phenomenal.

“We have played 14 rounds now and he has been fantastic every week in all parts of his game. He has been defending great, his yardage carries have been good and he has been catching bombs. You can’t do any more as a winger than what Tommy is doing and I thought he was our best player (against Catalans).

“I haven’t given it much thought (about Danny). He is a great young player and we all know that.

“I don’t want to say he isn’t ready but it is hard to know because of the options England have if Luke Gale is out. He is a great young player and he would back himself if he was chosen, that’s for sure.”

Holbrook confirmed that Ben Barba will be okay to face Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup sixth round next Saturday after sitting the Catalans game out, while James Roby came through his return unscathed.