St Helens boss Paul Rowley has given his verdict on tonight’s defeat as his side lost out 24-16 to Leeds Rhinos.
After leading 16-8 at the break, the Red Vee failed to score in the second 40, with Leeds taking the ascendancy with some good field position.
Tristan Sailor, Kyle Feldt and Alex Walmsley crossed for Saints, with Sailor slotting over two conversions in the absence of Jackson Hastings.
Rowley believes that some referee decisions could have gone in their favour, but overall too many errors and penalties by his side were ultimately their undoing.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, he was asked what went wrong in the second half, to which he replied: “Well, we obviously had a lot of adversity with the field position. Leeds did a great job.
“Although Leeds did a great job, I felt like they got a lot of free leg-ups as well, and they camped down there, and that took its toll.
“In the second half, I don’t think you can underestimate the wind. It’s quite a windy evening here, so again field position took its toll.
“The two ‘six agains’, a penalty and a sin-bin might have helped us a little bit earlier on in the game, but you know what, I’m really proud of the performance.
“It was a good game overall. We made some silly errors at times as well, so we’ll hold our hands up there as well.”
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St Helens boss comments on David Klemmer sin-bin incident
With the game level at 16-16 and seven minutes left on the clock, David Klemmer was sent to the sin-bin for a late shot on Chris Hankinson. Leeds opted to take their third penalty goal of the game at that point to nudge in front with little time left.
Commenting on that incident, the Saints boss said:Â “I was down on pitch side. I agree it was definitely a penalty, but I’m not sure about the sin bin. I don’t think the game required a sin bin, but again I’ve not had a good look at it.
“If he’s hit his head or anything like that, then maybe so, but yeah, we didn’t seem to get much today.
As well as a disciplinary concern, Saints also have two players to worry about on the injury front.
Joe Shorrocks suffered a dead leg and had to leave the field, whilst Harry Robertson also departed early, which will be even more of a concern given he missed out on the defeat to Castleford a fortnight ago as a precaution.
Rowley revealed that Robertson could have potentially stayed on, but there was no point risking any further damage.
