St Helens began the defence of their Super League title with an 18-7 victory over Catalans Dragons tonight.

Catalans are expected to be contenders this season and held a one-point lead at the interval of a low-scoring match.

However, second-half tries from Jordan Turner, Andre Savelio and Tommy Makinson got the reigning champions over the line with a scruffy win.

The French outfit suffered an early blow as Willie Tonga was forced off with an injury, and Atelea Vea rubbed salt into their wounds by touching down for the Saints moments after the eight-minute delay.

Catalan turned the scores around in the space of three minutes prior to the break as Eloi Pelissier crossed over before Thomas Bosc added the conversion and then a drop goal which put his side 7-6 ahead.

Bosc was another injury casualty for the Dragons and that may have derailed them as the hosts, who were strong in defence and rapid on the counter, scored through Turner and Savelio before the hour.

Makinson made sure of the result with a try five minutes from time as the Saints won their first match under the guidance of playing legend and new head coach Keiron Cunningham.