NEW Saints star Sia Soliola marked his debut with a try as St Helens secured the Karalius Cup at Stobart Stadium.

The New Zealand international, who made the switch from Sydney Roosters in the off-season, finally got his season underway with a four pointer after a false start due to the adverse weather conditions and his coach Mick Potter was happy with what he saw.

He said: “Sia was a little bit nervous before the game as it’s his first for in a while and I thought he did well. It’s always difficult coming to a new club and getting the first game out the way and I’m pleased with what he offered.

“Sia will probably start as one of my first choice centres with Matt Gidley when the season comes but he will be pushed by Chris Dean who I thought did well also last night.”

Even though Saints steamrollered their way to a 22 point advantage after 18 minutes through some well worked scores from Gary Wheeler, Jamie Foster, Soliola and Bryn Hargreaves, the Vikings kept persevering; completing sets and continuing a big collective effort in defence and they were eventually rewarded with two quick fire tries from centre Dean Thompson.

The game was never in doubt as far as Saints were concerned. And although they only fielded a hand full of the first string including Kieron Cunningham, Chris Flattery and Maurie Faasavalou, the Saints ‘fringe team’ always had enough to get over the finish line – despite the best efforts of a very enthusiastic Widnes team.