St Helens head coach Paul Wellens has reacted with surprise after an RFL apology was issued to Leeds Rhinos for one of Saints’ tries last Saturday.
The Red Vee pulled off a win for the ages with the iconic ‘Left to Wright’ try sealing the win after the hooter had sounded, however, it’s the try before that which has everyone talking.
With the score 14-6 to Leeds Rhinos, St Helens scored through Jon Bennison with the winger reaching an outstretched arm and appeared to ground the ball but referee Jack Smith, who had the best position in the ground, ruled ‘No Try’ before sending upstairs to Chris Kendall.
Kendall then overturned that, however, a previous RFL statement confirmed that had he seen other angles then he would have sided with Jack Smith and ruled ‘No Try’. As it happened, he did not see those angles meaning the try was awarded, allowing Saints to make it 14-12 and therefore in touching distance to secure their famous winner.
The RFL have now released a further statement in which they have apologised to Leeds Rhinos having previously acknowledged, both privately and through the media, that the decision to not award Bennison’s try should not have been overruled.
St Helens boss questions ‘dangerous precedent’ set by RFL apology
Understandably, St Helens boss Paul Wellens was asked about that and he confirmed that the apology had taken him by surprise, before issuing a warning about the precedent it might set and the pressure it puts on the match officials this weekend.
“I am surprised that there’s been a statement released,” confirmed Wellens, adding: “It sets a precedent that teams that are aggrieved suddenly want statements.”
He continued: “Now, people can argue whether it was a try or not, whether the ball was on the line or not, but I think it sets a dangerous precedent for a number of different reasons.”
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Explaining that, the Saints boss said: “Firstly, there becomes an expectation around those types of press releases being put out more regularly but I think secondly, and the most important point, I think what this does is puts the officials who are refereeing in big games this week under more pressure than they already were, and I think that’s a concern.”
Both Jack Smith and Chris Kendall, the two officials involved in the game between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, will officiate this week with the former serving as video referee to Saints’ game, whilst Kendall officiates Friday’s clash between Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards.
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Ray
October 1, 2025 at 4:37 pm
This is rich from Wellens,earlier in the season he was calling on Phil Bentham to field questions regarding refereeing decisions instead of coaches.Now when he does what Wellens asks he criticises him.It seems Wellens is having his cake, eating it and doesn’t like it.
John Dalton
October 1, 2025 at 5:43 pm
It looked like a try at the time, so it is unfortunate that subsequent camera angles became available, to prove that it was short. It should not take away from what was an exciting end to a match, which made for great television. Sometimes we just try to get it correct too much…………..
John
October 1, 2025 at 5:55 pm
This happens on occasion, where video referees see one view and make a decision. As an example, look to round 24 Hull KR v St Helens, where Saints “score” a try in the last few minutes. The referee gives a try on the field. The video ref takes one look from one camera and confirms the try — and it does look like a try.
Later footage from another angle shows clear separation before grounding and so the correct decision should have been a knock on over the line and a 20 metre restart to Hull KR. I’m not suggesting a pro- Saints conspiracy and I’m certain I have watched a number of “dubious” video ref decisions this season for a variety of reasons, both on tries and Captain’s Challenges.
With regard to the report above, I do recall the video ref looking at any number of angles before making a decision on this try or no try, so I’m not sure why it is being suggested Kendall only viewed one angle?
Andrew Douglas
October 1, 2025 at 6:38 pm
Basically .the try should have been ruled out that was not a try