Paul Wellens calls for consistency from referees “no matter what kit you’re wearing”

St Helens saw their unbeaten start to the season ended at the hands of Salford Red Devils at home and Paul Wellens has had his say.

It was a historic win for the Red Devils who have now moved level on points with Saints at the top of the league with the win which was their first away at St Helens since 1980.

The Red Devils produced a magnificent comeback against the Saints to battle back from 20-6 down to win 24-20.

Saints took a 14-6 lead thanks to tries from Lewis Dodd, Jack Welsby and Mark Percival. But then came the big moment as Mark Percival was sent off for a shoulder charge on Jack Ormondroyd.

Saints extended their lead to 20-6 even down to 12 with another try from Lewis Dodd. But the numbers disadvantage took its toll and the Red Devils battled back to win 24-20.

Paul Wellens calls for consistency after St Helens red card

The red card was undoubtedly key to the turn around and St Helens Head Coach has since come out and said that he wants consistency.

Wellens said on Saints TV: “My only complaint would be is consistency. If that’s a red card tonight then it’s got to be a red card all the time. I feel like at the moment we’re going from week-to-week and no one really knows what’s going on.

“So, if that’s a red card today, I can sit here as a coach and accept it, but it has got to be a red card next week, the week after and the week after that, no matter what kit you are wearing.”

Wellens would elaborate: “We lost the game tonight because we deserved to lose the game but I think there’s a frustration amongst a lot of teams and a lot of coaches. We just seem to lack a bit of consistency at times.

“The circumstances and the changes in the game is difficult for everybody; administrators, officials, fans, coaches, players, everybody alike.

“We’re all challenged with having to change and the evidence of that is there tonight. That’s a red card for Mark Percival, which we have to accept and again, we’re constantly learning.”