Warrington Wolves mounted a stunning second-half performance to knock St Helens out of the Challenge Cup as they scored 24 unanswered points to earn victory and it’s left fans of the Red Vee outraged.
It marked the second successive loss for St Helens after their defeat in Perpignan last week, coincidentally Catalans being the only team to have beaten Warrington so far this season too.
The game looked set to go down to the wire with the side only separated at halftime by George Williams drop goal which handed Wire a 7-6 lead.
Jon Bennison’s early second-half penalty put the home side in front but an all-out assault came from Warrington that saw Matty Ashton, Connor Wrench, James Harrison and George Williams all score to help secure Sam Burgess’ side a spot in the semi-finals with a 31-8 win.
It was an incredibly deserved win with Man of the Match honours going to George Williams who made an incredible try-saving tackle on Lewis Dodd, the second time the St Helens’ half has been prevented from scoring in back-to-back weeks.
It also marked another game where St Helens failed to register 10 points or more and fans are now asking serious questions about the club’s attack, just as they did last week.
St Helens fans claim pressure is building on Paul Wellens
Credit: Imago Images
The intensity in defence was clear to see in the first half for St Helens who repelled several Warrington attacks but a lack of cutting edge going forward was something that hindered the side.
That was a common belief by fans who have taken to social media to voice concerns, express anger and even in some instances, ask questions about Paul Wellens’ job security.
A flurry of posts centred on the team’s attack with one fan labelling it as “a mess”, whilst others used more choice words to describe the team’s ability with ball in hand.
The first fan stated: “Wire deserve this. Far better than us today. Wellens is clueless, he’s known the attack is a mess since he took the job. He’s done absolutely nothing about it. Just repeats the same thing over and over.”
Wire deserve this. Far better than us today. Wellens is clueless, he’s known the attack is a mess since he took the job. He’s done absolutely nothing about it. Just repeats the same thing over and over.
— Saddened! (@rlfansSaddened) April 14, 2024
Considering Wellens spoke so much in pre season about our supposedly much improved attack, we are fucking dog shit with the ball at times. Zero evidence of any progress whatsoever.
— Wayne Haselden (@WayneHaselden) April 14, 2024
Pressure on Wellens was something others claimed with one incredible statistic backing up the fact that St Helens need to make it to Old Trafford this season.
“Unfortunately, that ramps up pressure on Wellens now,” posted one fan before revealing their impressive statistic.
“Only 1 Saints coach in the SL era has failed to reach a final in their first 2 seasons. Demanding to win trophies is unrealistic but reaching finals, at St Helens, is a realistic expectation. Lack of attack, again.”
Unfortunately, that ramps up pressure on Wellens now.
Only 1 Saints coach in the SL era has failed to reach a final in their first 2 seasons.
Demanding to win trophies is unrealistic but reaching finals, at St Helens, is a realistic expectation.
Lack of attack, again. ☹️.
— JamesSaintLatic (@JamesSaintLatic) April 14, 2024
Another argued that his job “should be hanging by a thread”, whilst there were calls for a new attacking coach to be hired immediately.
Look forward to the Wellens PR club defending that. His job should be hanging by a thread now, He simply cannot get a new contract
— Ben Francis (@Ben_Francis6) April 14, 2024
Pathetic and embarrassing performance. Worst performance since Cunningham was in charge. Our attack is disgraceful, at least Cunningham had the excuse of Matty Dawson and Jack Owens on the wing. Wellens needs to bring in a proper attacking coach or he needs to go.
— Old Man Winter (@OldManWinter999) April 14, 2024
In incredible fashion, one fan claimed that even coach-less Hull FC could have competed better in the game, whilst NRL recruit Waqa Blake was called out.
More than disappointing that was shambolic! Even Hull Fc could have competed in that game. A few on the field need a hot ear after that. Blake is a turnstile’ Dodd hasnt a clue on last play and we seem to have forgotten how to build pressure becuase we dont keep the ball!
— Dave (@DaveDillon2) April 14, 2024
Luckily for St Helens, they might be able to find some confidence and rhythm in their attack given that they host Hull FC in their next game with the Black and Whites having shipped 36 tries in their last four.
Failure to reach 10 points once again in that game will surely lead to more angry fan reactions,
