Paul Wellens praises Kyle Eastmond and Leon Pryce

England international Eastmond singed a two year deal at Saints last season

St Helens vice captain Paul Wellens has praised Kyle Eastmond and Leon Pryce, as the side have been learning to cope without the services of Sean Long.

Scrum-half Long left the club for Hull FC after 13 years at Knowsley Road.

"It's been easier than people would have thought as they are no stranger to each other's style of play," Wellens told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Even though they're a new half-back combination, Kyle and Leon had played a handful of games last year."

He added: "As time goes on, they're going to get their game together and start knowing how each other plays, similar to the way Leon and Sean did."

At this stage of the season we're feeling pretty good with were we are at St Helens vice captain Paul Wellens

Reflecting on Saturday's 42-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, Wellens says his side are in good shape but they must continue to improve as the season progresses.

"It was a dreadful start to the game from us - Catalans really took it to us," he added. "We managed to fight our way back into the game and we've got a real determined streak at the moment.

"We have got areas that we need to work on, but at this stage of the season we're feeling pretty good with where we are at and we're looking to improve for next week."