Paul Wellens’ reaction to St Helens defeat to Catalans Dragons

In one of the games of the season we saw St Helens and Catalans Dragons collide at the Totally Wicked Stadium in the Betfred Super League.

Saints, the Super League Champions, were taking on the league leaders Catalans. Saints went into the game third with Leigh Leopards sandwiched between the two teams.

Catalans edged the game with some amazing defence on their own line opening up a six point lead on the Champions.

After the game, Paul Wellens provided his thoughts on the defeat:

“I am really proud of my team’s effort. I think it was a red hot game between two teams who there is obviously not a lot between them.

“Obviously a 14-12 scoreline, it was the same scoreline in the Grand Final a couple of years ago which shows that there isn’t a lot between the teams.

“My initial reaction is extremely proud of my players’ efforts.”

When asked about the race for the League Leaders’ Shield, he gave his thoughts.

“Perhaps so,” he said when it was suggested on Sky Sports that his side had missed their opportunity to close the gap.

“When you look at the Super League ladder. But there are more games to play and more opportunities to pick up points further down the track.

“Look, we’re never happy when we lose a game. That is the standards we set ourselves, so naturally we are disappointed.

“But we are not disappointed that we went down and we went down fighting and fighting our way.”

During the game, Saints lost James Roby and Mark Percival to head injuries which rules them out of the Challenge Cup semi-final:

“They’re obviously two very important and influential players to us and have been for a long time.

“They have both been important to the success we have had. However, rugby league is here to test you and we will have a group of players next week who will go to Warrington next week with a big prize at stake and they will give everything they have got.”

Asked about the semi-final, he said:

“I think with big games there is a multitude of big things that can go wrong. It is important to deal with the pressure of playing in a big game.”