Connect with us

Super League

“I actually thought the referee did a really good job tonight” – Kristian Woolf praises referee and six again calls after St Helens defeat Hull KR

St Helens Boss Kristian Woolf heaped praise on referee James Child, who was the man in the middle for his side’s emphatic 42-8 away win against Hull KR.

Despite numerous penalties and set restarts awarded to both sides throughout the contest, plus a sin-bin to his own player Konrad Hurrell, Woolf remained impressed by the performance of the match official.

“I actually thought the referee did a really good job tonight,” Woolf said.

“I thought he got a lot of the calls right. I have said a number of times that we do have a six-again rule to try and stop slowing attacking teams down.

“He refereed that match well and he made sure the opposition were not allowed to do that at times.

“We were a bit slow and deserved to concede the set restarts that we did. I would rather see the match officiated like that where the opposition are trying to slow you down and stand with the ball and a bit of messiness in the ruck.

“This is what that rule is there for, to sort all of that out.”

Praise for the officials but Woolf reserved a lot more for his troops as well as they ran in eight tries to two to make it four wins from four in the Betfred Super League.

Tommy Makinson bagged a hat-trick, helping him surpass 150 tries for the club on an unforgettable evening.

Sione Mata’utia also starred with two tries as did Lewis Dodd. The latter was named in the England training squad earlier this week and he showed off his credentials with an exciting performance.

“I thought Sione was terrific. I think he has certainly been our best over the opening rounds,” Woolf added.

“I think he has been really consistent at the moment. He is having a big impact on the game.

“He is doing a great job with and without the ball. He is in a really good place. We brought him over here for a reason, to play this sort of footy and make this sort of impact.

“Lewis is a really good little player. He has a great kicking game. He directs us around the field well and he is getting better and better in terms of how he manages the game.

“The way Lewis gets the ball to blokes like Jonny (Lomax) and Jack (Welsby) out the back, obviously he has that class about him.

“I love the way he is backing himself, I love the way he is playing both sides of the footy as well. He is defending terrifically too and, as I have said, he will keep getting better.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Super League