Yesterday, St Helens reminded everyone of their quality with a 24-14 win over rivals Warrington despite being without star halfback Jonny Lomax. It was a real statement of intent from the Champions ahead of next weekend’s game against first-placed Catalans. That was my view anyway, but how did social media see it?
Unsurprisingly, plenty of people turned to St Helens’ young halfback pairing, especially youngster Lewis Dodd. He played a starring role as the Saints took an early 10-0 lead.
Lewis Dodd will be a superstar!
— Tony M. (@TMawd64) August 30, 2021
Special player this Lewis Dodd
— Sam Matthews (@sammatthews46) August 30, 2021
This Lewis Dodd is annoyingly good isn't he. Massive future ahead for that lad.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) August 30, 2021
Others found amusement in the fact Dodd and halfback partner Jack Welsby outplayed their much more experienced and expensive opponents in George Williams and Gareth Widdop.
https://twitter.com/Ben_Francis6/status/1432441212741603329?s=20
Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd. 70 games between them. 39 years old combined. Utterly superb against Gareth Widdop, an NRL winning International, and George Williams, a seasoned NRL and Super League half this evening. Incredible that we churn out the talent we do continuously.
— Sporting Chemist (@sportingchemist) August 30, 2021
That said, we shouldn’t overlook Williams. Playing behind a beaten pack, he conjured up some moments of brilliance himself.
George Williams was brilliant for 15 minutes & kept Wire in the game
King Jack was MOM
Dodd is progressing very nicely
Couple of @Saints1890 players disappointing
Saints defence dropped when Morgan Knowles went off
— Geoff Strettle (@SAINTSGUS) August 30, 2021
Once again, the fiery James Bentley was at the centre of attention. He was shown another yellow card in the victory.
That James Bentley is a naughty man. I like him.
— Mark (@WindyArbourRoad) August 30, 2021
I don’t think any Saints fan can comprehend how much they will dislike James Bentley when he is being James Bentley against us 😁
— Aaron O (@Azzer1988) August 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/rhysdav43668344/status/1432446079258218498?s=20
Ultimately, St Helens fans were very pleased with the result and believed it was a sign that a third consecutive title could be headed their way.
WANKY WANKY WANKY WANKY WARRINGTON 🤣🤣🤣 COYS 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️🔴 Triple champions is on the cards 👍👍
— Matthew Young (@matt24179) August 30, 2021