St Helens ‘contributors to their own downfall’ says head coach Paul Wellens following defeat
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
St Helens boss Paul Wellens said too many errors cost his side the victory in their 26-14 defeat to Hull KR at Craven Park.
The world champions, heading into the Round Nine clash with a record of four wins from seven, opened the scoring through Jonny Lomax, with two goals from Mark Percival locking the scores up at 8-8 at the break.
However, Wellens’ side didn’t cross again until the 71st minute through Joey Lussick, with Hull KR claiming their sixth win of the season to move to third in the Super League table.
Paul Wellens reflects on defeat
Wellens said: “We came up with too many errors and I’m a coach who doesn’t mind making errors if you are making them in the right way.
“What we had tonight was too many concentration errors, losing the ball in contact. We were the contributors to our own downfall.”
St Helens were ‘down on troops’ in the forward pack, with Wellens predicting a tough fixture for his side during the week.
Alex Walmsley, Agnatius Paasi, Joe Batchelor, Curtis Sironen and Sione Mata’utia all missed out through injury, while Morgan Knowles was forced to watch through his monster suspension.
The injuries saw international centre Percival feature in the back-row alongside Sam Royle, with James Bell named at loose forward.
Winger Tee Ritson was named on the bench, while Jake Wingfield returned from a shoulder injury.
Starting prop Matty Lees was also sent to the sin-bin in the first half for a high shot.
“Matty Lees is a player, and I think he showed that tonight, he is invaluable for us,” Wellens added.
Despite the defeat, Wellens stated he was proud of his side’s effort, with the Totally Wicked Stadium outfit now eighth on the table.
He said: “We’re disappointed but on the balance of play Hull KR were the deserved winners.
“I’ve no complaints with the result and I am proud of our guys’ efforts, the way they worked hard for each other was pleasing.”
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