Laffranchi wants first half improvement

St Helens newboy Anthony Laffranchi admits that their first half performances have been under par in their two Super League games so far this season.

Last season’s losing Grand Finalists were pushed all the way by London Broncos in round one, and found themselves 10-0 down at home to Salford last Friday, before 34 second half points helped Saints to a 38-10 win.

Laffranchi, who signed in the close season from Gold Coast Titans, told the club’s official website: “We were out of character on Friday and didn’t stick to what we have worked at all week. Half time came at the right time for us and we came out and put a better 40 together.

“Royce didn’t say anything different, only that we hadn’t stuck to what we should have.

“We did that in the second half and it paid off.

“As we head into the Hull KR game we know we can build on that back 40 and set the standard.”

Saints travel to Hull KR on Sunday with Rovers without star man Michael Dobson, who earlier this week was ruled out for a month with a shoulder injury.