Long may it continue

Long may it continue

By Paul Sculthorpe St Helens and Lions star

More than one person has tipped my Saints team-mate Sean Long to pick up the Man of Steel award this year.

It's very early days but he is capable of achieving it. He has won it before, so he's got what it takes.

He's come back from injury with a bang, looks sharp and is playing very confidently.

St Helens is great place to be at the moment - everybody cannot wait for the next game to come around

His field kicking has been outstanding this year while his goal kicking was tremendous against Castleford on Friday.

He is a top player who can create something out of nothing.

But he has a fight on his hands if he wants to win Man of Steel because I won't be giving up my title so easily.

I'm very happy with my own form so far this year. I'm really enjoying my rugby and I'm feeling fitter that I ever have.

I'm flying in training and luckily I've been able to translate that good form into games as well.

St Helens is a great place to be at the moment - everybody cannot wait for the next game to come around - and there is a real buzz about the club.

We had another great result against Castleford last weekend.

We started off a bit slowly, going 10-0 down, but I wouldn't read too much into that. It's still very early in the season and we're just easing ourselves into games.

Sean Long has been in outstanding form this year

We are confident in our ability and the lads know how important it is to remain focused and stick to the gameplan.

One thing we have worked hard on this year is our kick-and-chase game, to support Longy's good work.

One of the biggest parts of the game is field position. You only have to look at the way the Roosters played against us to see how important a good kicking game is.

But a good kick is no good unless it's being chased down - and that's something we've been trying to improve.