JUSTIN TIME
Holbrook leads Saints revival while being ‘watched’ by statue of legend Cunningham
NEW Saint Helens coach Justin Holbrook insists it will not be strange starting his Langtree Park career with a statue of predecessor Keiron Cunningham outside.
Holbrook oversaw a stunning turnaround in his opening match with a 45-0 win over Hull – seven days after a 53-10 cup defeat at Castleford.
Tonight’s derby with Wigan is the Aussie’s first home game and the statue (right) marking Cunningham’s brilliant playing career stands outside, despite his departure as coach last month.
Holbrook said: “It isn’t strange at all – I think it’s a great thing. Keiron is a legend of the club, and he’s still that now. Just because he’s not coaching it doesn’t mean you wipe the history of what he’s done here.”
Holbrook has pledged to bring back the days of entertaining rugby at Saints, but says it will take time.
He added: “I’m well aware of the DNA of the club and how they like to play rugby league.
“I’ve tried to take the pressure off the players.
“I think that was the main role in the five seconds I had with them before last weekend’s game.
“They were trying really hard to play expansive football but it leads to errors when you’re trying to create things.
“I was seeing a lot of frustration from players and I wanted to take that pressure off them, say I’ll handle that and you guys calm down a bit and build a bit of pressure yourselves. Then without trying too hard you end up with 45 points.”
St Helens have beaten Super League rivals Warrington to the signature of NRL Grand Final winner Ben Barba.