“The pub team did well” – Australians in meltdown after St Helens stun Penrith Panthers

St Helens are the World Champions having beaten NRL Champions Penrith Panthers in their own backyard.

In doing so they made a lot of people down under look a bit silly including this fan:

Wakeup everyone. Today the Penrith Panthers become the World Champs

— Pikey (@pikey14) February 18, 2023

League Freak likewise caused plenty of discussion when he described it as a chance for Penrith to exhibit that they can trounce “a hobby team from northern England.”

This is below a trial game. An exhibition game maybe? What are we even exhibiting? That we can trounce some hobby team from northern England? https://t.co/TOjFOhYEwi

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

After the defeat, Phil Gould was forced to eat his words. The controversial NRL pundit and Canterbury Bulldogs Chief had said Penrith would be able to declare at halftime.

This was his reaction:

Well done St Helens. That’s a mighty victory. Beat Panther to the punch early. Defended their lead with pride. Terrific stuff. Panther looked clunky but no excuses. They had months to prepare. St Helens too good on the night. Great result for Rugby League.

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 18, 2023

Journalist Phil Rothfield was quick to point out the players St Helens had missing:

No Edwards. No kikau. No Api.
But you can only beat what’s in front of you. https://t.co/hXAHiVCcfA

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) February 18, 2023

To be fair to ‘Buzz’ he did feel it was a great moment for rugby league:

What a great game of rugby league #WorldClubChallenge

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) February 18, 2023

Jamie Soward, who has played on both sides of the planet, described it as bigger than St Helens’ four Super League titles:

What a win. I reckon that’s bigger than one of those last 4 super league titles.

— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, NRL journalist said that Jack Welsby needed to get to the NRL:

Jack Welsby has to get his game to the NRL. Just 21. What a star. @telegraph_sport #WCC

— David Riccio (@DaveRic1) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Kikau’s loss to the Panthers was again highlighted as Saints exploited his position:

Was talking to a pretty smart judge yesterday about Panthers and losing Kikau. He suggested Kikau was just about the best defensive second rower in game. Saints have scored both their tries down the channel he left. #WCC2023

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) February 18, 2023

League Freak caused plenty of talk when he called Saints a “pub side” and criticised the officiating at halftime:

That’s a weird half.

Referring was diabolical!

Penrith look clunky. Like it’s a trial.

The pub side doing amazingly. #PantherPride #RugbyLeague #NRL

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

Why do this pub team keep breaking the rules? #RugbyLeague #NRL

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

He did describe it as the greatest achievement in British sport, whether that was sarcastic, you be the judge:

Greatest achievement in British sporting history ever! #RugbyLeague #NRL

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

What a win for St Helens! Amazing! #PantherPride #RugbyLeague #NRL

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Jackson Hastings called for more respect for Super League:

Few might respect super league a little bit more after tonight. Great game both teams, congrats saints some team. 👏🏼

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) February 18, 2023

As Danny Buderus described James Roby as the Super League GOAT:

What a win congrats @Saints1890 Paul Wellens and Super league. Roby is King GOAT what a performance.

— Danny Buderus (@Bedsy78) February 18, 2023

He was described as the “pop” of rugby league is Jarome Luai is the “daddy” as he said when the Panthers won the NRL:

The Official Rugby League Family Tree.#NRL pic.twitter.com/8UGGgCFwyB

— Roast (@thenrlroast) February 18, 2023

Some believed the game showed that Jack Welsby can be the first English outside back for a whilet to immediately shine in the NRL:

I’ve seen enough to be convinced that Jack Welsby is of that high quality, he could be the first English outside back in years to slot into an NRL side immediately and kill it

Dom Young needed almost an entire season of NSW Cup to slot in despite playing Super League, not Welsby pic.twitter.com/ORQorWxj9W

— Jack Blyth (@jblesfooty224) February 18, 2023

This came as Penrith star Nathan Cleary incurred the wrath of some fans for his celebrations when he levelled matters:

Already a contender for the best NRL twit in the 2023 season 😍 pic.twitter.com/4yn888mfxb

— V (@TicsVitsJacThic) February 18, 2023

Hilariously, one fan said that the NRL should swap St George for St Helens:

Ship the Dragons to the Super League and bring St Helen’s in. Who says no?

— n 🍉 (@justnictings) February 18, 2023