SAINTS' shattering defeat at Hull means the champions now have an even bigger mountain to climb if they are to retain their Super League trophy - but there is no white flag flying at Knowsley Road just yet.

Sunday's loss, combined with Wigan's win over Bradford on Monday means that Saints are going to have to do it the hard way as fourth place seems the likeliest finishing position.

The bonus for Saints comes in the fact that they still have troops waiting in the wings - although some are getting frustrated with life on the sidelines.

Saints skipper Chris Joynt, who is still recovering from clean up surgery on his knee, said: "Not being out there is getting really frustrating now. Although there is a temptation to go out and play, it could set me back another two to three weeks and then put me out of the play offs. I know Scully is feeling the same way too. He is training and running ok and then he will go down to pick up a ball and then there is another little niggle.

"I will run on it this week and if it goes ok then I am in the reckoning for Sunday. If it flares up again we will have to wait."

The skipper said the side were disappointed with Sunday's display, particularly as it cost them their super defensive record.

He said: "I just thought they blew us away early on. I think it is noticeable that we have started our last three games slowly and this time we paid for it.

"Our defence, which has been our strong point all season, was very patchy. We just did not go up in a line, some were going up, others were hanging back. And when you are up against players like Jason Smith who can cut out eight defenders with a pass, then you are going to pay for it.

"We had the best defence in the league and we are gutted we have lost that now through one game.

"But we are going to stick at it - we are still vying for third spot, although the pie-men winning on Monday has made it tough for us."

Meanwhile Joynt has poured cold water over speculation linking him to a move to Leigh. "No, I am not going to Leigh. I am contracted to Saints till the end of next season and this is definitely where I want to be," he said.

How the play off system works: Game A: 3 v.6, loser out. Game B: 4 v. 5, loser out.

Week two: Game C: The winners of game A play winner of game B at the venue of the team finishing highest in the league. The loser goes out.

Game D: First plays second, winner goes through to the Grand Final, the loser has a second chance.

Game E: Loser of game D plays winner of game C. Winner through to the Grand Final.

Saints begin the last of their four programmed Super League fixtures this Sunday at Widnes (3pm) against a side who have blown hot and cold all season.

There will be a corporate Golf day at Formby Hall in aid of Chris Joynt's testimonial fund on September 1. Tickets cost £500 for a team of four. There will be a mixed evening that night, with tickets costing £25. Contact Barry Hyland for tickets on 01744 454441.