St Helens legend Paul Sculthorpe has outlined what he calls the “worst rule in rugby league”, following Saints’ defeat to Leigh Leopards.
Recently inducted to the Rugby League Hall of Fame, Sculthorpe was the only player to win two consecutive Man of Steel awards and made over 250 St Helens appearances.
Speaking about their defeat to Leigh Leopards, Sculthorpe said in St Helens Star: “Unfortunately, Lachlan Lam’s dying swan as he brushed Sione Matautia’s shoulder was enough for video ref Ben Thaler to disallow the try.
“This is by far and away the worst rule in RL. It’s a cop out for a bad defender.
“A very ugly view of our sport and something I detest weekly. I honestly don’t know what else Sione can do when he’s running a genuine line…
“Anyway, no doubt this had a bearing on the game, not only the all-important points but the confidence and momentum an early try gives.
“Instead, ten minutes later the Leopards open the scoring via skipper John Asiata following some poor defence by Jake Burns.”
Sculthorpe on how St Helens can win against Warrington
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
Saints were defeated 16-2 earlier this month, facing their play-off opponents, Warrington Wolves.
Sam Burgess’ side have been excellent this season, making the upcoming game a tough prospect for the Saints.
However, Sculthorpe suggested: “I think if Saints are to win, they have got to be super aggressive, on both attack and defence.
“There definitely needs to be more defensive cohesion on the edges, especially with the pace of the Wire’s Matty Ashton and his team mate Josh Thewlis on the wings. But, it starts with controlling the big fellas and ruck speed. Aggressive, but disciplined.
“On attack, obviously cut the individual unforced errors, but play very direct, quick ruck speed and bodies in motion. Once playing on the front foot we have enough ability to cause any team problems.”
After also losing 42-6 to Hull KR and 20-0 to Wigan Warriors in the space of the last month or so, it’s clear that the play-offs will be tricky – but last month, they defeated Salford Red Devils, and, as Sculthorpe added: “never write off the Saints!”
P
September 26, 2024 at 10:43 am
Mr Sculthorpe if you think saints can beat warrington on Saturday your living in cloud cuckoo land after latest performance warrington to win by 12 points
Eric Johnson
September 27, 2024 at 7:21 am
Don’t count your chickens
P
September 26, 2024 at 12:05 pm
Only one way try sort players going down and staying down to make a tackle look worse than it is so a player gets a yellow or red card the player involved should be made to leave the field automatically to be checked out so both teams loose a player may make them think a bit more before staying down and yes we’re not playing tigly winks here it’s a high impact game played at high speed come on rfl before banning players on a wim