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Chairman Eamonn McManus is pleased with the way St Helens have responded since he publicly backed the team last month.

McManus pleaded for patience after a poor run of form that saw Nathan Brown's side in danger of slipping outside Super League's top eight.

However three consecutive wins have all but assured their play-offs place.

"Three weeks ago, we were staring down the barrel of a gun. It was looking bleak, but what a response," McManus told

Saturday's 26-6 victory away at Catalan Dragons lifted St Helens above the French side and up to fifth position in the table.

It is only the second time this season that Saints, in their first year under Brown, have won three league games in a row.

"It's only three weeks and we've got to keep backing it up because we're entering a critical part of the season," added McManus. "At least we've got a platform under us and we've got confidence."