New St Helens boss Royce Simmons will put the emphasis on defence as he attempts to win some silverware in his first season in charge.
Change of attitude needed from Saints
New St Helens boss Royce Simmons will put the emphasis on defence as he attempts to win some silverware in his first season in charge.
Saints, traditionally one of the most attractive sides, had the most potent attack but only the fourth best defence in Engage Super League last year, when they lost in the Grand Final for the fourth successive season.
"Our attitude to defence needs to change," Simmons said. "Last year we had 22 points a game scored against us and I'd like to think we could get that down to 15 or 16.
"The boys know how to tackle but it's their attitude. For example, we scored an 80-yard try the other day and the whole 13 blokes ran 80 yards to tap the player on the back.
"You make a 50-yard cover tackle or a good read decision on the edge and there's no reward.
"We don't want to take anything away from our attack but, when you haven't got the ball, it's time to do the other part of the job.
"The players love doing skills and having the ball in their hands but when you say 'let's go and do D', it's a bit more like a job. I want to make it all enjoyable."
The Australian was critical of his side's performance in their 52-20 win over Widnes in their opening trial match at the Stobart Stadium at the weekend, but is hoping to get a clearer picture of his best side in Saturday's friendly against Huddersfield.
That match will also be played at Widnes, which will be Saints' temporary home this year as work continues on their new stadium.
Injuries
"We're not quite ready yet," admitted Simmons at the club's media day. "We've still got some injuries to get over and we've to decide who's going to make up our 17. A lot of things will come from the Huddersfield game."
Simmons will make a final decision on a successor to retired captain Keiron Cunningham after Saturday's match, with James Graham and Paul Wellens the likely candidates.
Graham can be expected to get plenty of game-time in the early part of the season as the club wait for new signing Josh Perry, the former Manly Sea Eagles prop, to fully recover from leg and ankle injuries.
"It will probably be late March when Josh is fit but we're quite strong in that area," said Simmons.
"We've got James Graham and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, who was fantastic in our first game, and Tony Puletua and Paul Clough can play there.
"By the time we get a few injuries, hopefully Josh will be back on the park. Otherwise we'll give one of the youngsters a go."
