KRISTIAN Woolf has explained why Aaron Smith and Joe Batchelor did not come into the reckoning for Friday night's derby against Wigan Warriors at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Both produced strong displays in a youthful Saints side against Salford on Monday

“Both Joe Batchelor and Aaron Smith had head knocks and couldn’t finish the game on Monday so they aren't available," explained the Saints head coach.

This week he has experienced a first in his coaching experience.

"We had two teams running for the last couple of days, the team that played on Monday night – and a couple will have to back-up – but a different team that's playing against Wigan.

"It has meant we've been on the go all day.

"Yesterday, the group who played against Salford were reviewing, recovering and rehabbing, and the group that are playing against Wigan were doing their main session – bit of previews, video and preparation.

"I’ve never had this before."