Holbrook ecstatic after thrilling comeback

Justin Holbrook praised St Helens’ battling qualities after they produced a remarkable comeback against Salford on Friday to secure a 25-24 victory.

Saints trailed 24-8 with seven minutes remaining, but Matty Smith’s dramatic drop goal after the full-time hooter capped a stunning turnaround for the home side.

“It is a fantastic mood in the dressing room,” said Holbrook. “I’m just as excited as the players to see that kind of finish. And what an environment as it should be after a finish like that.

“I was confident with four minutes to go last week that we could win, but we didn’t get it done, and today I knew if we got the ball back from the short kick off we would have a chance.

“Once we got one I thought we had a chance and the way it finished was fantastic.

“We got the points against great opposition. I thought we were unlucky at half-time – we dropped one over the line and if we had hung on to the last play then we could have led 14-2.

“In the first half we played really well because we had to do a lot of defending again. The second half was all Salford, they completed every set and they didn’t give us a chance. We had to earn it.

“Then with seven minutes to go we got an opportunity and converted them all. It was gutsy. Since I have come here I have been happy with the boys’ character, attitude and how they want to learn.

“I always said we would get better each week. It was great to see the belief in them to be able to finish like that.”