SAINTS' interchange loose forward James Bell made a massive impact off the bench in Friday's 18-8 win over Leeds.

It was not simply the Scottish international's trademark skill with the ball that was to the fore, rather his tough carriers that made his Saints' top metre maker with 156.

With Morgan Knowles also a tower of strength in both middle roles, the pair made a huge contribution in weathering the Rhinos storm to eventually win the battle and get on top.

Saints coach hailed the contribution of both of his loose forwards.

He said: "Both play the same position, both have got great skill, but seem to do it in a different way.

"And I think in James Bell you see a player who you can imagine him as a 8-9 year old kid in the backyard where he grew up in New Zealand just loving life, loving playing rugby and throwing the footy around world.

"Belly at his best is similar to Morgan in that if you're valuing the tough stuff first and valuing your defensive work and they've got the ability to open teams up with the ball.

"It's just about getting the balance right there. And when they do, the pair of them are very effective for us."

Saints' bench of Bell, Moses Mbye, Jake Wingfield and George Delaney had a big impact on the game.

But it was Bell who caught the eye with the way he repeatedly took the ball into the teeth of the Leeds defence. 

"He's unique in the way he offers something different than a lot in the comp.

"We're delighted to have Belly in our squad and I know that the playing group absolutely love him and he was voted the Players’ Player of the Year last year off back of that type of work," Wellens said.

"So that gives an indication of what the playing group think of him and it's great to see someone like James do well.

"He is someone who bounced around from club to club a little bit and then took a bit of a gamble coming to here but his quality has really shone through.

"I'm really proud of him and the way he's developed as a player in the last few years."

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Knowles was equally impressive, particularly with his combative work-rate in defence, tackling, chasing and harassing.

"Morgs is probably one of those who flies under the radar a little bit and his toughness and way he plays the game week in, week out has almost become normal.

"But I think he was probably the standout forward on the field there tonight.

"But what I think he is doing really well is getting the balance right between playing tough and physical, but also using his skill when he gets the opportunity," Wellens said.