PROP Agnatius Paasi made his return to action in Saints’ Reserves 24-20 win at Castleford Tigers
The big Tongan front rower has not played for 10 months since suffering ACL, MCL and ankle ligament injuries in the Challenge Cup semi final defeat.
He was supported on his return by members of the Saints first team squad – with Jack Welsby, Waqa Blake and Konrad Hurrell cheering from the stands.
After the match a no doubt relieved Paasi was given the honour of leading the Saints team’s celebration song.
Apart from Agnatius Paasi, the Saints Reserves side included first teamers Jon Bennison and Sam Royle.
Saints had to come back from an early 12-0 deficit with Castleford Tigers crossing through Martin and Rooney.
Half back Will Roberts, who has had a similar journey to recovery as Paasi, made the break that led to Bennison opening Saints’ account.
Roberts tagged on the goal to make it 12-6 on 15 minutes.
Bennison, playing full back, was then the provider on 26 minutes when he sent Ben Will over.
The sure-footed Roberts levelled with the conversion and Saints were soon in the lead.
Wingman Will completed a quickfire brace when he picked up a loose ball from a Castleford attack and raced the full length of the Wheldon Road turf.
Another Roberts goal made it 18-12 and that is how it would stay for half time.
Tigers were first to post a score in the second half with Hodson crossing on 50 minutes for an unconverted score to cut Saints’ lead to two points.
But Saints’ response was almost immediate with Alfie Sinclair crossing under the sticks and Roberts duly adding the extras to make it 24-16 on 54.
Groves scored another unconverted try 10 minutes from time but Saints had the wherewithal to hold on for another victory.