St Helens injury dilemma, video referee controversy, Sam Lisone reception and Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens talking points

St Helens beat Leeds Rhinos to go third in the Super League table. 

Paul Wellens’ men emerged 6-0 victors, as a try from Owen Dagnall and a Jonny Lomax penalty goal were enough to beat a lacklustre Leeds side. 

The Rhinos were on top early, dominating possession in the opening half an hour, however missed opportunities cost them, and it would come back to haunt them as they were outclassed in the second half. 

Saints’ defence was a incredible, as they became the first side to nil the Rhinos at home since Wigan in September 2023. 

Here are the major talking points from the game: 

Clinical Saints but sloppy Rhinos 

In the opening quarter of an hour, the game was played all in St Helens territory. The Rhinos started the game at 100mph, but couldn’t convert their dominant field position into points. 

St Helens meanwhile, through some brilliance of Harry Robertson, broke the line against the run of play  and found themselves a rare opportunity. They managed to find their way over on the left edge, as Dagnall scored his third try in two matches against the Rhinos this year. 

Leeds’ attacking woes would continue for the remainder of the first half, as Harry Newman almost went over from a Jake Connor bomb, but the Saints defence held him up. 

Arguably the Rhinos biggest chance of the first half came minutes before the break. Keenan Palasia’s loose offload found its way to Brodie Croft, who was one-on-one with Tristan Sailor. A sublime defensive effort from the Saints fullback as he stripped the ball from Croft’s grasp to stop a certain try. 

The same continued in the second half, and whilst Leeds’ opportunities in the second half were smaller than the first, they still had trouble finding their way over the line. 

James McDonnell thought he had a try in the right-hand corner, but after a video ref review, Newman was judged to have pushed Mark Percial in a contest for the ball, and the try was chalked off. 

The nil on Leeds’ side of the scoreboard cannot be fully put down to their lack of ability to finish chances. Saints’ effort in defence, whilst at times crossed the line of legality, was impressive and shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

St Helens hooker woes 

Saints found themselves with both hookers on the sidelines before the first half was over. First, nine minutes into the game, Daryl Clark tried to tackle Mikolaj Oledzki and found himself flat out for his efforts. 

That allowed a big opportunity for youngster Jake Burns to show his skills, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season. 

However, that plan was cut short, as two minutes before the half time hooter, he also had to leave the field to be assessed. That allowed 18th player, Jon Bennison, to be used as an interchange. 

Jake Wingfield went to the nine position for Paul Wellens’ side, a position he has covered previously for the Red Vee. 

Whilst the 23-year-old didn’t do anything to set the world alight, he was comfortable in attack and defence when Saints needed him.  

Video referee controversy 

St Helens can count themselves fortunate that they were able to keep all thirteen men on the pitch for as long as they did. 

Agnatius Paasi was sent to the sin bin with thirteen minutes remaining, as a swinging arm caught the face of Alfie Edgell. 

However, incidents earlier in the game could have seen more cards for the away side. 

In the first half, Jonny Lomax was guilty of a tip tackle on full-back Lachie Miller. Much to the anger of the home fans, on-field referee Jack Smith and video ref Liam Moore both agreed a penalty was sufficient. 

Then, in the second half, Alfie Edgell, who was taking a carry from the backfield, copped a high shot from Matty Lees, which subsequently saw players from both sides running in. 

Moore had a look at the replays, and again decided no further action was needed and a penalty was sufficient. 

Mixed Lisone reaction 

After the news that Sam Lisone would leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season to join Hull FC, there was a mixture of reactions to the 31-year-old from the Leeds faithful. 

During the line-up announcements, there were a minority of boos when his name was read out. 

That soon changed during the game however, as his strong carries and impact off the bench yet again lifted the Rhinos and helped them gain valuable metres. 

Top four battle becomes even closer 

The Saints victory means that they now pass Leeds in the table, and as the season starts to reach the business end, the victory for Paul Wellens’ men is huge as they look to stay in the top four and guarantee a home semi-final in the playoffs. 

Leeds: Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Alfie Edgell, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins, Cameron Smith. 

Interchanges: Andy Ackers, Keenan Palasia, James Bentley, Sam Lisone. 

Saints: Tristan Sailor, Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Owen Dagnall, Jonny Lomax, Moses Mbye, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen, Matt Whitley, Morgan Knowles. 

Interchanges: Agnatius Paasi, George Delaney, Jake Wingfield, Jake Burns.