St Helens' Lewis Dodd has warned the rest of Super League: “Our World Club Challenge hangover is done.”
The scrum-half, 21, memorably kicked the winning drop goal when they beat Penrith in Sydney last month. Saints then lost two of their opening three games in their league title defence. But they dug out a 14-12 win at Huddersfield last week and seek a third straight success against winless Wakefield on Friday.
Dodd, tipped to make his England debut next month and attracting NRL interest, told Mirror Sport: “I think we have finally got over the hangover now. The effort, desire and will to win at Huddersfield was back to Saints being Saints. It’s the willingness to do things that other teams won’t.
“We can still get better in attack but that will come. Hopefully we can kick-start our season now. But Wakefield are a dangerous team. They like to throw the ball about and chance their arm. They’ll come with the attitude of having nothing to lose.”
Meanwhile, Dodd has been mentioned by England boss Shaun Wane as a possible debutant against France next month. He was hoping to make the World Cup last year before a ruptured Achilles suffered in the Good Friday derby against Wigan last April ruled him out for the rest of the year.
Dodd said: "Everyone wants to play for their country. If there is an opportunity there I’ll definitely put my best foot forward. But even if I'm in the squad or not I’ll definitely be cheering England on."