Rugby League: Daniel Anderson not letting up in pursuit of double treble

Aug 31 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

CHALLENGE Cup winners St Helens aim to take another step towards retaining the ‘treble’ tonight when they host Harlequins, one of six teams vying for the three remaining Super League play-off places.

After restoring the Challenge Cup to its “home” in the Knowsley Road trophy cabinet, Saints’ attentions are now focused on keeping hold of both the League Leaders’ Shield and Super League crown.

Victory over Harlequins, who were shock winners at Knowsley Road in round one back in a wintry February, would keep St Helens in front of Leeds with two matches left to play and coach Daniel Anderson insists the hunger for success is as strong as ever.

“This isn’t finished,” he warned. “We’re not content now.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve done so far, but it’s almost a relief that it’s one out of the way. We’re actually quite relaxed for the last three weeks.”

Ominously for their rivals, Anderson also believes there is still some improvement to come from the reigning champions, who have lost three of their last six League matches.

“I’m not really sure if we’ve played good, attacking rugby,” he said. “We’ve been great defensively but our attack has been a bit scratchy for six or seven weeks. Even in the final it was a bit scratchy. I think we’ve got plenty of improvement in us attacking wise.”

St Helens make two changes to their Cup-winning line-up, Australian loose forward Chris Flannery returning to take the place of Mike Bennett (calf) and goalkicking teenager Stephen Tyrer replacing winger Francis Meli (knee).

Harlequins are able to recall prop Karl Temata.