‘The table does not lie’ – St Helens chairman speaks out on form frustration and makes Catalans Dragons case

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus admits he shares the frustration of the fans about the club’s slump in form. The Saints are in action this evening as they take on Catalans Dragons at the Totally Wicked Stadium and they’ll be looking to claim their first win in four games.

Since beating Wakefield Trinity in April, defeats have come to Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos and the loss to the latter was particularly underwhelming, with head coach Paul Wellens coming in for heaps of criticism online and in the stands. There have even been reports over the last fortnight of a replacement head coach being lined up.

As such, Wellens will be under huge amounts of pressure to get it right this evening against a Dragons side who were convincingly second best against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-finals last weekend.

And, writing in his programme notes, McManus admits the last few weeks have not been good enough by St Helens’ standards. The chairman doesn’t make reference to the head coach directly but he says rapid improvement is needed by all.

“We have been the author of our own downfall too often in recent weeks and it is our collective responsibility to get that right. And now,” McManus wrote.

“I am sympathetic to the hurt and deep frustration which our fans are presently experiencing. We share that. It is the responsibility of the club as a collective, and starting with me, both to strive for improvement this season and to strengthen the squad for next.

“Results are ultimately all important and the table does not lie. It is presently not good enough for a club of our standing and ambition. Real improvement must be sought and made by all.”

St Helens chairman defends Catalans Dragons position

Saints are the favourites to get the result tonight against a French side, whose place in the competition has been questioned by some in the game in recent months.

McManus has used his notes to underline his belief that Catalans belong in Super League and offer plenty to the sport.

“They are always a physical and demanding opponent and we expect a very stern test yet again tonight,” the chairman adds. “That is exactly what we need, and it is exactly what we need to overcome, at this moment in time.

“There remains continuing public dialogue as to whether Catalans Dragons constitute a worthwhile member of Super League. To me the answer is very simple: they have put an unparalleled investment and management effort into building a critical bridgehead for French rugby league in each of the last twenty seasons. It is quite simply immoral and unacceptable to ignore that.

“We should be looking to consolidate it and build upon it going forward, not detract from it. They are certainly always very welcome in St Helens.”