Brown backs Saints in second Shield chance

Nathan Brown takes his St Helens team to his old club Huddersfield tonight (Getty Images)

Nathan Brown will be back on familiar territory as he aims to secure his first silverware as a Super League coach.

The Australian takes his St Helens team to his old club Huddersfield tonight looking to make the most of a second chance to lift the League Leaders’ Shield.

Warrington spoiled their party a week ago by beating them 39-12 at Langtree Park and now the Giants, who reached their first Wembley final for 47 years during Brown’s successful three-year stint at the Yorkshire club, stand in their way of a first trophy for six years.

“It’s good because it’s where it all started for me in the English game,” Brown said. “I enjoyed it while I was there and I’ve enjoyed going back there. It’s a good stadium and a big, open field which generally provides for good football.”

If injury-hit Saints slip up once more, Castleford could pip them to top spot with a win over Catalan Dragons in Perpignan tomorrow but Brown is expecting his side to bounce back from their disappointing performance against the Wolves.

“We’ve got so much to play for still,” he said. “The guys have trained brilliantly well this week. We’ve had some great sessions of good intensity and commitment.

“I think we’ll be fine. At the end of the day, there’s no more pressure on us than there is on Huddersfield. The pressure is on both sides for different reasons. Huddersfield will want to make the top four and we want the League Leaders’ Shield.

“I’d have thought they’ll be very committed and I’d be very disappointed if we’re not very committed.

“The League Leaders’ Shield would be good reward for the guys for hanging in there through some tough times.”