Lolesi: Key decisions in attacking positions let us down

Jamahl Lolesi, who is part of the St Helens interim coaching team, couldn’t fault the work ethic after their defeat to Widnes but criticised his side’s decision-making in attacking areas at times.

Saints suffered a narrow 16-14 defeat at the hands of Widnes after an impressive home victory against league-leaders Castleford earlier in the week.

“We worked hard for each other, but we’ve been working hard all year and we just haven’t been scoring the points,” he said.

“We gave them a game plan and we’re disappointed they couldn’t execute it a bit better.

“A few of our decisions down that end of the field when we needed the points just weren’t good enough.”

Lolesi refused to identify fatigue as one of the key factors behind their lack of fluency in attacking areas.

Saints have played three games in the past week.

“Widnes are tired and had to play the same amount of games as us,” he added. “I’m not going to use that as an excuse.”

Some of the Saints players were guilty of becoming complacent because of where Widnes are in the league, according to Lolesi.

“The disappointing thing was that we strung some nice footy together against Wigan and some nice footy against Cas, but tonight I have to question some of the attitudes of the players,” he continued.

“Whether they thought they were going to get an easy game tonight because of Widnes’ position on the table. That’s what it looks like.”