St Helens head to Wembley unscathed, says Justin Holbrook

Drew Darbyshire 15 Aug 2019 10:16 PM

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook was glad to not pick up any injuries in the win at Leeds ahead of their trip to Wembley.

The Saints beat the Rhinos 36-20 at Emerald Headingley on Thursday night, with Kevin Naiqama scoring a hat-trick.

Prop Matty Lees suffered a knock to the ribs in the game but will be fit for the Challenge Cup final next weekend. Lachlan Coote, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Tommy Makinson and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will all return to action at Wembley.

Holbrook said: “They’ll all play next week which is great.

“We came through unscathed which was great. It was always going to be an awkward game with what is coming next week but full credit to the boys with the way they went about it tonight.

“We obviously had a few missing but the ones that played just got on with it tonight so I’m really happy.

“Leeds is a tough place to come. They’ve been playing really well over the last few weeks and it was a good win for us.”

Holbrook was particularly impressed with his side’s resilience and will to defend their own line.

He added: “The most pleasing aspect was just how hard we kept working.

“Some of the players were playing much longer minutes than what they are used to and there were guys playing out of position but everyone just got on with it.

“It’s a great win from our side tonight and I’m really pleased with the boys.”