On Saturday as the Saints finally ended a 10-game Panthers winning streak in the local derby, White was there playing a crucial role with the number nine jumper on his back.

Since White was first making a name for himself in the Saints' premier league outfit six years ago - he scored on debut against Panthers in their 32-6 ANZAC Day win and was solid in the 34-26 success in July - he's achieved plenty in the top grade.

But this season he found himself in first division before premier league coach Zac Merritt came calling ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Panthers.

White got his chance back in premier league and he took it, getting through a mountain of tackles for the Saints as they posted a 16-14 victory.

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"I spoke to Huddy through the week, he'd earned his right back," Merritt said.

"He's absolutely been killing in in reggies and he came back up and did exactly the same job for us.

"I think he got man of the match today as well, he was massive."

White's performance will be a big boost to his confidence, something his fellow Saints drew as well as they defeated Panthers for the first time since July 2015.

It's something Merritt wants to capitalise on as the Saints look to climb the ladder.

"We know we've put the work in, but we've just got to keep working hard, stick together and enjoy the win," he said.

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