SAINTS players from all ranges of the career spectrum delivered quality performances in the comprehensive 34-6 triumph over Catalans Dragons in Super League's first day back.

Although Kristian Woolf paid tribute to the starting props James Graham and Alex Walmsley with the way they physically helped Saints to get on top, there were plenty of others in a whole team effort deserving of plaudits.

Skipper James Roby rolled back the years with a quality first 55 minutes in which he made hay around the ruck off the the back of the big carries and space at the ruck.

And the Saints boss believes that the four-month break has helped the veteran hooker more than most.

"Nobody wanted the break in these circumstances – but for a guy like James, who has played so much footy over a long period, it is the sort of break he would not have had at any stage in his life before," Woolf said.

"It will have really helped them. And he looked fresh. This break is probably going to extend some careers if we are honest. So from that point of view it has been really positive."

With Dom Peyroux dropping out with a niggle, the lion-hearted James Bentley once again stepped up with his latest top-drawer display - capped with a well-taken try when he chased a Lachlan Coote grubber.

Woolf expected of the versatile former Bradford Bulls back row, who was not short of courtiers ahead of signing a new deal at Saints.

"He is a good player and his performance did not surprise me one bit," Woolf said.

"Everywhere we have put him – hooker, centre or back row - he has done a great job.

"I think back row is his spot."

His second row partner, Zeb Taia, is having his swan song in the red vee - and he too impressed, scoring a try, setting up another and was going great guns before copping a heavy tackle and needing a concussion assessment. Thankfully, he did return to the fray.

"Zeb has come back really fit and has given himself a good chance," Woolf said.

"He has obviously already announced that he going back to Australia at the end of the year.

"He is going to want to finish the year well. He started really well and we are looking forward to seeing what he comes up with for the rest of the year because I know he has worked really hard and is really hungry.

"It means we are going to see the best of him and what he has got left."

One player with plenty of football left in him is England international Mark Percival, making a welcome return to the red vee since suffering a week-two shoulder injury that needed surgery.

His sharpness and penetrative running with the ball, was complemented by some safe as houses defence - illustrated perfectly when he plucked a Dragons kick from the air with outstretched arms and then streaked 60 metres upfield.

Saints look a much better side with Percival's name on the teamsheet.

Woolf said: "Mark is an international player and you don’t realise how much you miss those players until they are not in your side.

"Other blokes have come in – Bentley, Matty Costello and Jack Welsby – we have changed that position four or five times over the early rounds out of necessity.

"But when you have Mark Percival there you feel really safe and secure."