It might be over six weeks since the comments were made but St Helens assistant Lee Briers has not forgotten what Matt Peet said about the Red Vee ‘losing their identity’ as he made a veiled dig towards the Wigan boss in his pre-match presser.
Following Wigan’s Challenge Cup semi-final win over the Saints, Peet claimed that St Helens’ loan of Bill Leyland in the Good Friday derby was an example that the club had ‘lost their identity’ in a comment that has been talked about plenty since it was made.
Even now, over six weeks on, it’s still being referenced albeit this time by St Helens assistant coach Lee Briers as he pointed to the club’s academy system and huge number of young players who will take the field today against Bradford Bulls.
With Daryl Clark out for today’s game at Odsal, Tom Humphreys is expected to play plenty of minutes and when praising the youngster, Briers aimed the first of two subtle shots towards Peet.
On the hooker, Briers said: “He came on and did a real good job, Tom. Full of energy and earned his place on the bench and kept it this week.
“He’s another product of the successful academy system that we’ve got. We’re really looking forward to seeing what he can do this week.”
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St Helens assistant hails youth ahead of Bradford clash
Short of stopping there after referencing the club’s ‘successful academy system’, Briers spoke about just how many young players could play against Bradford.
Three possible debutants have been named in the 21-man squad whilst all of Owen Dagnall, Harry Robertson, Tom Humphreys, Jake Davies, and George Delaney are aged 22 or younger, whilst the likes of Jake Burns and Jack Welsby are also homegrown talents.
On that, Briers quipped: “It’s not bad that, is it, really? Considering we’ve not been promoting youth, it’s not too bad that, in my eyes.”
As for how he and Paul Rowley will coach the players, Briefs revealed that the shackles are firmly off for St Helens’ young players.
“One thing what young players bring is an enthusiasm and an energy. We’re not going to harness that. We’re going to let them go and enjoy it. Obviously, we’ve got some principles how we want to play, but they’re here for a reason. They’re good players.
“We’ve got no issues with a young squad. It gives people opportunity. We’ve got plenty of potential so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
