Jack Welsby rejects these two St Helens narratives

St Helens sent a warning to the Penrith Panthers today with a 30-18 win over St George Illawarra Dragons ahead of the World Club Challenge next week.

One man who stood out was young fullback Jack Welsby.

The Saints star had his say on Fox League after the game:

“Some really good performances, good moments for the young lads who deserve it with the way they’ve trained.”

The young man was also asked if the conditions would negatively effect Saints’ chances next week against the NRL Champions:

“You can feel the difference, we have been acclimatising to it. We’re looking forward to it and taking it under our wing.”

Naturally, he was asked if he was concerned by the threat of the world’s best Nathan Cleary and his kicking game: “Not really had a look, I know how good he is. It is something we’re going to look at this week.”

This came as he emphasised the challenge St George offered as he dismissed the narrative they had it easy against a rookie side: “We were focused on St George they obviously rested a few but it was still a strong line-up.”

That’s two narratives he rejected alongside the conditions narrative which is being talked about a lot down under at present.

Tommy Makinson also dismissed concerns about fitness at halftime when asked by Fox how his lungs were handling it.

Both Makinson and Welsby received huge praise from NRL legends Cooper Cronk and Michael Ennis.

Cronk said of Welsby:

“I think he has that ability to predict where the ball is going to be. There was a line break through the middle where he knew the play was coming back this way and he hit the accelerator.

“The guy has been unbelievable in Super League and had a really good World Cup.

“He has that rare ability as a fullback to create tries through his passing game but also bob up for the offloads as well. He is very impressive.”

Meanwhile NRL winner with the Cronulla Sharks Michael Ennis added: “There always a few players who pop up who could play in our competition. Welsby is one and Makinson is another.

“Welsby has a really good balance of knowing when to pass the ball and when to put himself about when the ruck is quick.”