St Helens coach Daniel Anderson says Paul Sculthorpe's substitution against Quins was nothing to worry about.
Anderson allays fears of groin injury
St Helens coach Daniel Anderson says Paul Sculthorpe's substitution against Quins was nothing to worry about.
Anderson allayed fears that Sculthorpe had suffered yet another injury setback, saying his exit in the 53rd minute was merely a precaution.
By that stage Saints were already in command of a match they went on to win 58-12, scoring 10 tries including three for Leon Pryce.
Former Great Britain skipper Sculthorpe was making his first appearance since the beginning of March, and Anderson said: "He got hit in the nuts and, remember, this was only his second or third game this year, so 53 minutes was enough for him tonight.
"He was definitely blowing and that was making it difficult for him but there was nothing untoward."
Pryce treble
Pryce emphatically ended fears of a crisis at Knowsley Road with a hat-trick as Saints effectively had the points in the bag by half-time.
The Challenge Cup holders touched down five times through Sean Long, Pryce (two), Francis Meli and James Roby.
Paul Wellens, Pryce, Matt Gidley and Ade Gardner (two) all struck after the break to take Saints' tally to 10.
Long landed nine goals from 10 attempts and dovetailed superbly throughout alongside Pryce.
Pryce was unstoppable at times - and Anderson added: "He is very, very difficult to tackle and also made a big contribution defensively.
"There was a bit more steel about us but we played very well and have done our points difference some good. But we need to do it consistently.
"There was some nervousness before the game but there were some very nice tries."
Strong start
Harlequins won at Knowsley Road in driving snow last season and have surprised a few observers this season with their strong start to the current campaign.
They arrived on Merseyside in fifth spot but never looked capable of recording victory, despite first-half tries from Gareth Haggerty and Matt Gafa.
Coach Brian McDermott said: "We caught Saints at the wrong time and on the back of three losses they were always going to be dangerous.
"But I don't think we were good at all tonight and we were poor throughout with the ball." McDermott admitted that his side failed to cope with the Pryce, who ran amok throughout the game.
He said: "He's 6ft 4in but sometimes when you see him running he looks like he is 8ft 12in.
"He ended up being 9ft 15in by the time that game finished. He's a big man to stop."
