Tommy Makinson is the best winger in Super League, says St Helens coach

England international Tommy Makinson is the best winger in Super League, according to his St Helens coach Kristian Woolf.

The 30-year-old produced a stunning display in attack and defence in Saints’ 12-10 win at Warrington on Thursday night.

Makinson scored a try, kicked two conversions and came up with a try-saving tackle to deny Connor Wrench from scoring at the death.

Woolf said: “Tommy is outstanding.

“You always fall in love with your own players but, for me, he is the best winger in the competition over here.

“He has got an all-round game – the way he carries, the way he finishes tries. He’s very good under a catch, he is a very good attacking target if we want to kick for him. He is a team player first and he showed that tonight with his effort.

“He is the type of player I want in our team.”

St Helens coach hails Agnatius Paasi and Tommy Makinson

Woolf was also full of praise for Tonga powerhouse prop Agnatius Paasi, who made a real impact when he came off the bench.

The Saints boss said: “Agnatius was great and he has been great all year.

“He is getting more and more comfortable and confident. He makes an impact every time he comes on the field.

“Everyone sees his carries and offloads and the way he makes an impact, but he is defending to back that up and that’s what I like the most.”

Paasi, who has not played for his native Tonga since 2014, will be hoping to play for his homeland under Woolf in the World Cup at the end of the year.

St Helens sit at the top of the Super League table, four points ahead of Catalans Dragons and Wigan. They’ve played one game more than their counterparts, who face Hull KR and Hull FC respectively this weekend.

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