Everton move has re-energised Magic Weekend - Peet

"They have plenty of threat. I know they've had challenges with injuries but when you look at the team it looks rock solid. That right edge with [Owen] Dagnall and [Harry] Robertson is exciting, not just for the present but for the future as well."

Rowley was equally effusive about the opposition, who have won four league games on the spin, scoring 180 points in the process, as well as sweeping aside Hull KR 40-10 in the Challenge Cup final.

"Since the semi against us they've been absolutely on fire, credit where it's due," said Rowley, whose Saints side sit fifth but are level on 22 points with Wigan.

"I'm always quick to give credit when it's deserved and I think they've been fantastic and had some huge results, none more so than the Wembley one.

"You prepare to play against a champion team, so you have to be good in every sense of the word. You have to keep your feet moving, because as we've seen in the opening 65 to 70 minutes against York they were pretty much untouchable.

"We were really good against Bradford, at a tough venue. I really enjoyed that performance, there were some green shoots in there.

"We've probably not moved forward in terms of how I'd like our team to look as quickly as we could have done, but we've got some mitigation regarding all our injuries. It's a journey we're on, and we're happy and confident."