St Helens boss on his standout performers and facing a potent Leeds Rhinos side

St Helens boss Paul Wellens praised his side’s work ethic tonight after one of their best performances of the season to beat high-flying Leeds Rhinos.

Saints looked in control throughout the match, eventually coming out 18-4 winners against a Leeds side that looked miles off what they’ve been producing lately.

Paul Wellens’ side definitely went into the game as underdogs, with many expecting Leeds’ recent form to give them the edge.

However, St Helens showed up as a team, and it paid off with a sensational victory.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Wellens said: “It was a really good win, I thought we were really tough, really gritty tonight. We needed to be.

“I think to keep a team as potent as Leeds to four points on a night like this and on the back of a short turnaround is exceptional. A huge credit to the players.”

St Helens boss on standout performers and superb defence

He also thought his side showed up for one another tonight, especially in defence, and praised youngster Harry Robertson’s efforts against Ryan Hall.

He added: “We spoke to the players in the week that performances like that are going to matter.

“He had a huge impact on the game, and you don’t know when those games are going to come, but that bit of desperation there from Harry (Robertson) optimises what the team’s about.

“I thought we got a little bit loose in the second half. There are bits of our game that we still need to work on, but across the board tonight defensively, we were really strong.”

The St Helens boss also highlighted Tristan Sailor’s impact on the team, despite his role changing week on week and some negative comments regarding his recent performances.

He said: “I’m delighted for him. He’s a high-quality player, he’s a brilliant man, and he’s settled into the environment really well.

“Criticism comes your way as a rugby league player, and it’s how you handle it. Tristan’s handled it exceptionally.”

Wellens was most pleased with how his side managed with big players missing, such as Jack Welsby and Joe Batchelor.

He finished: “I was speaking to the team during the week, and obviously, it’s not great when you’re missing a lot of talented players, but talent doesn’t often win you the big games.

“It’s your endeavour, your work ethic, and we had that in bucket loads tonight.”

💪 The Saints get an important win over Leeds Rhinos at the Totally Wicked Stadium!#COYS | @LPL_Airport pic.twitter.com/N72Wr2arFi

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) June 20, 2025