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Squaring up

Can Saints keep up their momentum against Warrington?

Stevo Posted 29th March 2012 view comments

What a game to celebrate a very special occasion. It was on the 29th of March in 1996 that Super League was first launched, when it kicked off in Paris.

This game should be an absolute belter - Wigan v Warrington last week was an outstanding game and Leeds were no match for Saints.

Warrington will be wary of St Helens after that performance, that is for sure. There is a new urgency in the club and they really showed it against the Rhinos as they gave them no chance to get started. They completely ripped the current Super League champions apart.

Michael Monaghan: Stevo says he could be the key man for Warrington

Michael Monaghan: Stevo says he could be the key man for Warrington

A lot of people thought that maybe the red hair may have distracted Leeds but I think that is a little bit unfair on St Helens - they never let the Rhinos get into a trot never mind running! They dominated Leeds in every single department and Warrington will have taken note of that.

Despite Warrington topping the table and that great win against Wigan last week, there is still a mood that perhaps they are not quite firing yet. They are not quite producing the magical stuff that we know they are capable of. I put that down to the fact that Michael Monaghan has not been fully fit. He has not looked as sharp as we usually see him but I think last week's game will have done him the world of good.

Despite Warrington topping the table and that great win against Wigan last week, there is still a mood that perhaps they are not quite firing yet. They are not quite producing the magical stuff that we know they are capable of.

Stevo
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They have got plenty of quality players like Lee Briers, Morley, Atkins, Bridge and they have Brett Hodgson back at full-back but Monaghan is the man who controls it all.

I reckon his battle with James Roby is going to be simply sensational. These two are by far the best two hookers in Super League at the moment. Was it a coincidence that as soon as Roby came back that St Helens started to play well? It may be so but you cannot underestimate the importance of Roby.

Lance Hohaia at stand-off was also very impressive - he enjoys playing here and it showed. His kicking game was excellent against Leeds and it will have to be the same again against Warrington.

Warrington will really miss Ben Westwood who has been suspended - but I have been impressed with the form of Adrian Morley. I keep on waiting to see him run out of steam but he never seems to slow down - he is a dynamo and Warrington have to follow his lead.

STAR MAN: Brett Hodgson returns at full-back and is such a steadying influence but I think Michael Monaghan is going to be the key man - how he performs could determine the result of this game.

STEVO SAYS: Saints are on a roll but I think it is time that Warrington really let loose. They will be primed for this one. It is going to be close and what about a drop goal from Lee Briers or Jonny Lomax to win it?

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