Wednesday 6 April 2016 12:16, UK
Injuries have hampered both Shannon McDonnell and St Helens' start to the new Super League season but the full-back says the time for excuses is over.
Saints have made a sluggish start to the campaign and currently sit sixth in the table ahead of their clash with leaders Warrington on Friday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD.
McDonnell returned this season from an eight-month injury lay-off after achilles surgery but while he has been finding his feet the back line around him has been hit hard by a gruelling Easter period, with Tommy Makinson ruled out for the remainder of the season and Adam Swift also on the treatment table.
A last-gasp 17-16 loss to Hull FC last weekend was emblematic of Saints' struggles this season but McDonnell hopes a trip to Warrington can kick-start their campaign.
"We have let a few games go that have been very disappointing," he said.
"Every game is worth two points no matter where you are in the season. We want to be in a position to be in the top four at the end of it all.
"These games matter; we know where we are in the table. At times we have been our own worst enemies, we need to finish games off. We have had challenges but there are no excuses.
"It's good personally to be back playing. I knew when I came back it was going to be a bit different after that long on the sidelines.
"I am happy with parts of my game but overall I am still far from my best so I just need to keep playing and Warrington will be a great test this weekend."
The Wolves will have to cope without Chris Sandow, who has been the catalyst to their strong start to the season.
The 27-year-old Australian was injured in Warrington's win at Wigan and his absence could see Stefan Ratchford comes into the half-backs.
Watch Warrington v St Helens live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Friday from 7.30pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
