Long: We definitely owe the fans

St Helens’ interim coach Sean Long says the team owes the fans a good performance after dismal displays in their last two games.

After losing 40-18 at Warrington in the Super League, Saints followed up with a shocker at Castleford in the Challenge Cup last week with the Tigers romping to a 53-10 success.

Saturday’s game at Magic Weekend against Hull is another tough fixture, but Long believes the players will respond to playing on the big stage.

Long said: “The boys have come to training this week and they’re pretty pumped – we’ve had a chat about where we need to improve and hopefully we can turn it around at the weekend.

“We definitely owe the fans. They’ve been awesome and we’re bitterly disappointed that we turned in that performance last week – it was not acceptable.

“I promise you that we’ll be going out full tilt on Saturday and try and put in a good performance against another good side in Hull.

“They’re posting big points and we need to be on our money. Lee Radford will get them fired up for this game, but we just need to think about us and go back to basics.

“As long as we put in a good performance that’s what I’m mainly looking at.”

With new head coach Justin Holbrook expected to arrive in time to watch Saturday’s game, Long is hoping his presence will have a positive effect on the players.

“Justin will be here, so he’ll be keeping a good eye on them,” added Long.

“I think it’s what we need – Justin will come in and give them a boost. 1-17 the jerseys are not nailed on yet, so everyone’s playing for a place.

“We just probably need a couple of good wins to get back on the board and start enjoying ourselves again in training and on the field.”