After his St Helens team defeated Leeds Rhinos 18–4, delighted coach Paul Wellens has disclosed the “next challenge” that awaits them.
Injury-hit In hot circumstances at TW Stadium, the Saints put on what Wellens considered their greatest performance of the season to snap the five-game winning streak of the third-place Rhinos.
“We played a tough game against a really high-quality side and won the game,” the coach said, praising a “committed team performance.”
“Building on it and establishing some consistency is our current issue. Although our performances have been erratic lately, that serves as a model for how we should perform in important games.
“We proceeded with our tasks as soon as things began to fade away from us. For me, that was a really encouraging indication.
The coach of St Helens considers the Leeds Rhinos’ victory.
Deon Cross’ score just before halftime gave St Helens an 8-0 lead after they had already kicked two penalties in the first half.
Soon after the half, the Rhinos scored a try to tie the score, but the Saints held firm and won handily thanks to scores by Owen Dagnall and Tristan Sailor on the last play.
I’m overjoyed. I think the team’s attitude to the game was excellent, and it was a significant and crucial game for us,” Wellens said.
“I must give the players a great deal of credit. The players put themselves in a position to go out and perform like that, against a very talented team, despite the fact that we were coming off a short turnaround and had done virtually nothing on the training pitch all week.
“It takes an incredible defensive effort to limit them to just four points on such a hot night and in such a short amount of time.”
Wellens lauded that as “the play of the night for me.” In the first half, teenage centre Harry Robertson maintained Saints’ early advantage by rolling Rhinos winger Ryan Hall into touch with a spectacular cover tackle.
“Oh,” he said. “I knew going into it that we would have a great performance, and seeing that gave me even more confidence.”
“In important games, you need those kinds of plays. Harry wasn’t alone, but you’re never going to get your way.
“It was wonderful to see that we had the true competitive nature to chase down every moment, especially with Darryl Clark, Owen Dagnall, and George Delaney present.”
As early penalties are explained, Owen Dagnall is praised.
After the game, Dagnall received a verbal slap on the back from his coach and was awarded the Saints’ official man of the match.
“He’s a very good boy,” Wellens said. We have really high expectations for him. He can play for this team as a winger for a very long period.
Since he was a small boy, I have known him, and he has always had a fiercely competitive personality. Although he still has a lot of work ahead of him, the initial indications are encouraging.
When Saints decided to take the two from the two early penalties close to Rhinos‘ line, there were some jeers from the fans. Wellens acknowledged: “I understand, but it was a really strong mindset from the players to say two points is enough here.” It demonstrates that we are supporting and believing in ourselves defensively.
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