Rugby League - Brown relishing tough run-in

Saints were in danger of missing out on the play-offs for the first time since the advent of Super League after winning just seven of their first 17 matches under the former Huddersfield boss.

But they have rekindled their outside hopes of a top-four finish by winning seven of their last eight and Brown believes they can take that momentum into the play-offs.

Saints face a difficult end to the regular season, with Friday’s visit of Warrington followed by a trip to Hull, but Brown believes it will set them up nicely for a tilt at Old Trafford.

“It’s much better than having an easy run-in,” Brown said. “Playing Warrington and Hull, there’s going to be a lot of meaning in the game and we’re going to get challenged more than if we were playing one of the lesser sides.

“We had two tough games against Catalan and Wigan which was great but then we played two sides that aren’t in the running for the play-offs and, whilst we won both games, we didn’t play anywhere near as well.

“To beat Warrington we will have to play well and I can’t think of a better way to prepare for finals football.”

Warrington go into Friday’s derby on the back of a shock home defeat by Widnes which effectively ended their hopes of reclaiming the league leaders’ shield they won two years ago.

But Brown believes the Wolves have their sights set on the bigger prize, especially after losing in the Grand Final to Leeds last season.

“They will definitely be disappointed but the league leaders’ shield is not something that’s interested Warrington,” Brown said.

“You can tell by the way they’ve been picking their team for the past four or five weeks. They’re more interested in freshening the older players up and getting ready for a final tilt.

“They’re guaranteed a top two or three finish and top four gives you two cracks and I think that’s all Warrington’s goal was.”

Warrington coach Tony Smith backed up Brown’s theory by recalling veterans Lee Briers, Adrian Morley and Garreth Carvell for the trip to Langtree Park, where they won twice last season.

“There have been some great contests over the years and a really good rivalry on and off the field,” Smith said.

“Hopefully it will be a good advert for rugby league. Some of the games on recently – ours included – have probably not been fantastic spectacles.

“Fortunately we have got a better record there than their old stadium. We look forward to it. It is a tough place to go to but one we are excited about.”

Rugby League - Brown relishing tough run-in