St Helens coach Justin Holbrook is looking forward to the Super 8s getting underway, despite a difficult start for Saints.

Holbrook's men know a win against runaway league leaders Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Thursday night in the Super 8s opener will propel them into the top three.

The Tigers sit 10 points clear at the top of the table and have yet to be beaten at home so Holbrook knows it will be a tough challenge.

He told the club's official site: “To draw Cas first up is as tough as you can get," he said. "They are sitting first too but it is a game we are looking forward to. I am are happy with how we are playing and I’m looking forward to a tough game on Thursday.

“We have clawed ourselves back into the mix and had to win three in a row to do that. We aren’t there just yet but we are in striking distance.

"We know if we win our games we will make the semis. A few weeks ago it was ifs and buts so it is encouraging and gives us a lot of confidence heading into this period."