St Helens star talks getting fans back on side and Tristan Sailor combinations

St Helens star Jack Welsby has reflected on his side’s victory over Huddersfield Giants on Friday night, admitting that it’s nice to have the fans back on their side.

Welsby was the hat-trick hero as Saints ran out 46-4 winners over the Giants away from home in front of a healthy travelling support.

The 24-year-old was playing at fullback but has spent most of the season in the halves so far, with head coach Paul Wellens switching between Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax and youngster George Whitby in the spine.

Speaking to Saints TV, he said that he had some sympathy for the Giants amid their injury crisis this season, but it was good to get plenty of points on the board from a Saints perspective.

He said: “I think backing up last week was important to come here against a side like Huddersfield.

“They’re doing it tough if we’re honest, but they’re getting some bodies back on the field, and it’s never easy coming here to the John Smith’s Stadium.

“To put 44 on them after last week is very pleasing.”

St Helens star Jack Welsby shares Tristan Sailor connection and praises Saints fans for their travelling support

Whilst there have been many changes to the spine, Welsby and Sailor have started every game, creating combinations between the pair when Saints have been at their best.

Welsby added: “The beauty of having Tristan on the wing is that he’s another halfback really, and he’s lightning.

“Every time he touches the ball, he brings people into him because he’s stronger than he looks, and he is quick.

“As soon as I saw him pick that ball up, I was looking for a gap, and thankfully, I did.”

Welsby was also quick to praise the St Helens support on Friday night, despite the side’s inconsistent performances this season.

He finished: “I think these last two performances, we’ve sort of got them back on side, and it’s never in doubt what they do, bringing seven hundred over the Pennines on a Friday.

“They don’t realise how much we appreciate it. When we get results like this, we deserve to be applauded, and when we don’t, we deserve what we get.”