Justin Holbrook: I’m thrilled for Danny Richardson
Justin Holbrook said Danny Richardson proved why he has been knocking on the door of the England set up following St Helens’ win at Leeds.
The Saints beat the Rhinos 23-22 in an end-to-end thriller at Emerald Headingley on Friday night.
Richardson, an England Knights representative, nailed a drop-goal from 30 metres out in the 78thminute to snatch the two points for the league leaders.
And Holbrook said he could see why he is being considered for a call up to England’s senior side.
He said: “I’m really thrilled for Danny Richardson.
“He is knocking on the door of the England side and he showed tonight why. I’m really happy for him.”
St Helens trailed 22-16 until the 73rdminute and Holbrook was pleased with how his side kept calm and delivered the gameplan.
He added: “I’m really proud of the boys.
“To hang in there and come home with the win the way we did was fantastic. You have got to win in all different fashions throughout the year and I thought the way we won was fantastic.
“I am proud of the way we hung in there. For periods in the second half, I don’t think we touched the ball for five or six sets after giving away penalties and shots at goal, so we didn’t have a lot of ball. Good sides just hang in there and we did that.”
Mark Percival was a standout for Saints, scoring a try and playing a part in a couple of tries.
When Holbrook was asked if he would be disappointed if Percival didn’t start for England in Denver, he replied: “Yeah, I would be.
“I thought he was brilliant, he’s been great all year. Everyone knows how dangerous he is with the ball but he’s one of the best defensive centres I’ve seen.”
Holbrook was full of praise for Leeds after a brutal display.
He added: “I want to give Leeds a massive rap, they have a number of players out but they are a quality side and it was a really tough night.
“It was a cracking game. It was good conditions and we delivered a good game, that’s for sure.”
