Despite defeat, St Helens interim coach Eamon O’Carroll expressed his pride following the derby day clash with St Helens that came just 36 hours after the club’s sacking of Paul Rowley.
Assistant coach O’Carroll was quickly parachuted into the top job until the end of the season though he confirmed that the club had gone with the 17 selected by Paul Rowley, so as not to disrupt the team any more.
It ultimately wasn’t enough as they came up against an in-form Wigan side buoyed by the return of Bevan French, as Wigan ran out 38-16 winners with the Warriors winning the second half 20 points to four.
Giving his post-match assessment, O’Carroll hailed his side’s effort, stating: “I’m proud of them and probably a little bit lost for words, really.
“I asked the boys to stick together all week and give us effort and intent, and I can’t question any of them there. I thought they gave it to us in bucket loads.
“I’m really proud of the group for how they’ve handled it this week, and although it’s sad, I think we’re in a strong position now.”
“This is your club, Jack” – St Helens boss reveals Welsby message
Saints are now out of the top six on points difference and with just seven rounds to go, they have a job on their hands to uphold their record of making the play-offs in every Super League season.
On those final seven games and how they will approach them, O’Carroll said: “Game by game. I think our preparation is going to be really important, so it’s not about just producing that on a game, I think how we turn up in the week.
“Obviously we’ve got a few busted bodies there, so we have to get them right and give the lads every opportunity to perform at their best.”
In terms of busted bodies, St Helens lost three more as Matty Evans failed a HIA, Jed Cartwright suffered a suspected quad injury, whilst George Delaney appeared to dislocate his shoulder.
On that O’Carroll admitted he was yet to see the trio, but added that it was ‘not looking good’.
One positive from the game was the performance of Jack Welsby with the full-back among the standouts and O’Carroll agreed.
“I thought he was fantastic,” he said.
“I’ve said to him for the last couple of weeks, ‘this is your club, Jack, and it’s time for you to turn the reins and take over’ and I think he’s doing that.
“I love working with him. He’s a great guy. He’s been a huge help to me as well, so I’m really pleased for him tonight.”
As for the play-off race and if it will occupy the player’s attention, O’Carroll admitted: “Potentially, but I think that’s my job, to keep us focused on the here and now. Let’s worry about the process.
“For me, the next challenge is tomorrow, how we turn up, and then Monday in preparation for York.”
The Warriors see off the Saints 🍒#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/XbNbsvbkMP
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 24, 2026
