YOU can’t really ask for more than two wins from two!

Not the prettiest of performances, but the team showed great grit and true Saints ‘games not over til it’s over’ resilience to secure the points.

As predicted, it was always going to be a tough fixture away at Wakefield. No doubts they had felt the wrath of Chris Chester after their opening defeat to London, and were going to come out to prove a point against the Betfred Super League favourites.

With only two minutes remaining the scores were locked at 18-18, but enter our favourite cockney LMS! Crashing on to a nice subtle Jonny Lomax pass, Louie reached out to give Saints the win and remain joint top of the table after round 2, while Trinity remain pointless.

Louie seems to be getting better with age. After an outstanding 2018, which resulted in the 32 year old being rewarded with a one year contract extension, he seems to be enjoying his rugby as much as ever and is a key figure in the Saints dressing room.

Saints boss Justin Holbrook must be delighted with the start his ‘new look’ team have made. Talking after the Wakefield win, he commented specifically on the dogged defence his team showed in the second half keeping Wakefield out. As we know defence wins games...and hopefully titles!

No doubt like all the supporters, I was concerned to when Alex Walmsley left the field for a head injury assessment, but great news he was cleared and returned to action in the second half seemingly unscathed. After everything he went through last season with that serious neck injury I’m sure it’s the last thing he needs, but the way the big man plays I’m sure it won’t be the last time he’ll get a clock around the chops!

In other games in the Betfred Super League, Salford continued their great start to the year with another win against the promoted Broncos. They are looking like a confident squad but haven’t been really tested yet. Castleford are also two from two, joining the Red Devils, Warrington and Saints at top of the table. One player who has started the season on fire, continuing on from 2017 and 2018 is the Tigers’ talisman Paul McShane. With the horrendous half back injury situation at Castleford, McShane is thriving on the responsibility of leading his team, and has helped them to two wins over the Dragons and Hull FC.

Finally, we all know the rivalry between Wigan and Saints…but I’m hoping ALL English RL fans will be behind the Warriors this Sunday evening when they take on the Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge...and great news that Super League title sponsors Betfred will be sponsoring this prestigious clash at the DW Stadium.

It certainly is a challenge for the home side as they face a strong Roosters side, containing the likes of Cooper Cronk and skipper Boyd Cordner, but will be without Latrell Mitchell who has chosen to play in the Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars game ahead of the WCC.

Even though the Warriors are two games in and the Roosters are still in the middle of pre-season preparations ahead of the NRL season kick off in March, I have to favour the Australian champions for the win. I’ve not been convinced by the two opening performances by the Warriors, and think that Cronks organisation and kicking game could be the difference. With my England hat on I sincerely hope I am wrong!

I predict a Roosters win by 10 points which is evens at Betfred.