St Helens beat both the heat and Huddersfield Giants as they won in ugly fashion to keep pace with the other Super League sides in the play-offs.
Paul Rowley’s side snapped their three-game losing run with a 38-6 win over the Giants but the scoreline arguably flattered them with three late tries helping to bolster their points difference.
Jake Davies was the last of those try-scorers but his position on the bench had raised eyebrows then the team news came out with many fans questioning why the young second-rower had not started.
When he did come on, he made an impact as he scored twice in limited minutes and his performance is one of several talking points from today’s match.
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St Helens and Huddersfield Giants talking points
Ugly win
The scoreline would suggest otherwise but this was not a pretty win for St Helens by any means. They laboured for long periods of the game and whilst the heat certainly played a part in that, the heat obviously impacted both sides.
Huddersfield started the second half far better with the Giants on top for the first 15 minutes and they eventually broke through, leading to plenty of nerves around the BrewDog Stadium at just 16-6.
Saints would kick on but it was more through Huddersfield’s own collapse with the home side simply handing the fatigue better than their opponents, who dropped the ball far too often. A win for Paul Rowley and his side but it’s one that hasn’t answered too many questions about how good Saints actually are.
Jake Davies
Even in limited minutes Jake Davies stole the show with the young second-rower playing very impressively and surely laying down the market for why he should be a starter, or at least utilised more.
Paul Rowley has previously explained that given how quickly Davies has burst onto the scene, his minutes need managing. Few will disagree with that but they would perhaps question why Davies was deemed a starter against Warrington last week but not against the lowly Huddersfield, where you’d imagine he would benefit from a long 60-minute stint.
Injury issues
The heat seemed to get to everyone today with Lewis Jagger one confirmed victim as he left the field for a HIA but was unable to return due to sunstroke. Unfortunately for the Giants, Jagger wasn’t the only one to suffer as George Flanagan went off with an apparent leg injury late on.
As for Saints, they saw Mark Percival pick up a knock with Tristan Sailor also suffering at times meaning the lengthy injury list of St Helens could well be extending.
Huddersfield’s ailing attack
Given how dominant Huddersfield were in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, the fact they came away with just six points is testament to what their biggest struggle is. Yes, they may conceded points but their attack is so far behind any other club in the competition.
Key players are out but the Giants still have very experienced Super League players in their spine and they’re simply unable to create at all with the ball going to ground more often than it went to hands at times.
Captain’s Run injuries raise questions
It was no surprise to see Jackson Hastings back in the halves but it was a surprise to see George Whitby omitted from the squad completely, with Tom Humphreys named on the bench.
St Helens took to social media shortly after their team news to note that Paul Rowley intended to start both George Whitby (knee) and Matt Whitley (wrist) but that the pair were ruled out during the captain’s run.
The severity of those injuries is yet to be revealed but what’s more interesting is who the pair would have started ahead of. Whitley, more than likely, would have played in the second-row ahead of Shane Wright but if Whitby were to start then it would be for either Tristan Sailor or Jackson Hastings in the halves, or at least require a reshuffle of that duo. What Paul Rowley intended to do will no doubt come out in the wash, as will an injury report, and it’s certainly one to look out for.
.@Saints1890 see out a victory in the sunshine 👏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/CWGATRILyb
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 21, 2026
