ST HELENS coach Paul Rowley sees “a lot more room for progression” over the remaining half of the season.
Super League’s regular season hits the midway point this week and Saints kick off the round at home to Warrington Wolves on Thursday.
It’s a repeat of the round-one fixture between the clubs, which Warrington 24-14.
Both sides have since established themselves as title contenders, with the Wolves level on points with leaders Leeds Rhinos and St Helens two points further back in fourth place.
Rowley’s men have won nine out of 13, albeit losing their last two at Castleford Tigers then Leeds.
“We’ve certainly progressed in terms of mentality and how we go about our business,” said the coach, who was appointed last October.
“But the season is so long and things change dramatically throughout the course of a season.
“We’ve had a lot of changes in personnel due to long-term injuries so I would say it’s evolved more than progressed. There’s a lot more room for progression.
“There have been a lot of changes and there’s a lot of things we’re happy about and a lot of things to be excited about.
“There’s some blue sky ahead if we’re willing to work hard, and I think we have a group that are.”
Of Warrington, he added: “They’ve got a great team on paper and they’ve got a great team on the field as well. They’re performing very well.”
Harry Robertson (quad) and Lewis Murphy (elbow) won’t feature due to recurrences of previous injuries.
While he hopes Robertson will return for the visit of Huddersfield Giants on Sunday week (June 21), Rowley said of Murphy: “It’s a bit of wait and see.
“He’ll be struggling with that for a few weeks.”
Australian prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita could make his debut, having signed from Canterbury Bulldogs two weeks ago.
“He’s settled in nicely on and off the field,” said Rowley. “He’s quiet and unassuming but he looks good in training.”