St Helens legend Paul Sculthorpe had a good week, being inducted to Rugby League’s Hall of Fame alongside Jamie Peacock.
However, he didn’t enjoy another St Helens defeat last weekend, as the Red Vee slipped to a 16-2 loss at the hands of Matt Dufty-less Warrington Wolves.
Saints still sit just about in the play-off places, but they are only ahead of seventh-placed Leeds Rhinos on points difference, and are just two points ahead of Catalans Dragons – meaning it could all change.
One saving grace is that the Rhinos face Hull KR and Wigan Warriors in their remaining games, while Saints are still heavy favourites to pick up the two points against Castleford Tigers on Friday night to effectively bring it home.
St Helens legend blasts ‘dreadful’ performances – and singles out overseas player
Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
In his column for the St Helens Star, Sculthorpe didn’t hold back, saying: “Saturday saw another dreadful display away at Warrington.
“I don’t need to dwell again on the unfortunate run of injuries and disruption the team have been dealt this year, because we all know that has been the case.
“However, some of the individual performances served up lately are just not acceptable in the Red V.”
He then went one even further, blasting the performances of one of their quota players: “Some of the big names are just not doing it. Far too many unforced errors, moments of ill discipline and all round lack of quality, especially in attack.
“How Waqa Blake continues to be given a jersey I will never know. I spoke in previous weeks about the complete lack of urgency and effort in his game.
“Well this week was a whole new level. The stand out play was a forward pass from a tap restart, something you’d be filthy with at under 9s.
“Players make mistakes, but not like that, and at this level.”
Credit: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
Speaking about their upcoming game against Castleford, he said: “This is a game, that if Saints still have ambitions of silverware this year, they simply must put on a show.
“We need to find some fluidity in attack and start to build some confidence if they are to make the do-or-die rounds.
“Also, next week against Leigh will be as tough as any game this season.”
Indeed, Leigh need to avoid defeats to avoid slipping down the table, and they might be fighting for their own play-off lives come that final Round of the season.
Eric Johnson
September 13, 2024 at 11:35 am
Well said scully, think someone is scared of upsetting players. If a player isn’t pulling his weight, kick his butt, some players think they have to get picked because of injuries, we’ll I’d pick a school kid before someone not pulling their weight. Couldn’t be any worse, plus who gets it in the neck. COACH that’s who