“The ref has been so one sided” – How social media reacted to St Helens’ win as even Keir Starmer gives his view

St Helens are the Champions of the World.

They defeated NRL Champions Penrith Panthers in their own back yard this morning sparking a lot of debate and discussion on social media.

Australian journalist Phil Rothfield was keen to highlight the absentees in the Penrith side:

No Edwards. No kikau. No Api.
But you can only beat what’s in front of you. https://t.co/hXAHiVCcfA

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, former Wigan Warriors star and now Dolphins centre Oliver Gildart called for there to be more respect for Super League after the result:

Respect the super league 👏 👍🏻

— Oliver Gildart (@OliverGildart3) February 18, 2023

Darts World Champion and huge St Helens fan Michael Smith was quick to react the success saying that it is the town of world champions now:

It’s not just a trophy town it’s the world champions town 😘😍😍😍 @Saints1890 pic.twitter.com/tobdnYBACU

— Michael Smith (@Michael180Smith) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, a player who used to be a real rival of the Saints at Wigan and Salford Red Devils in the shape of Jackson Hastings was quick to call for more respect to Super League like his former teammate Gildart:

Few might respect super league a little bit more after tonight. Great game both teams, congrats saints some team. 👏🏼

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) February 18, 2023

Another player who played both Super League – with Leeds Rhinos – and NRL, Danny Buderus praised the Saints and called James Roby the greatest of all time (GOAT).

What a win congrats @Saints1890 Paul Wellens and Super league. Roby is King GOAT what a performance.

— Danny Buderus (@Bedsy78) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, the Labour Party Leader was also one to praise the Saints:

Congratulations to @Saints1890 on becoming World Club Champions.

A fantastic achievement for everyone involved in St Helens and for rugby league in this country.

Saints are great ambassadors for their town and their sport. https://t.co/syoGiyvaM1

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 18, 2023

Many people were quick to highlight what controversial NRL pundit Phil Gould said before the game about Penrith being able to declare at halftime:

pic.twitter.com/gTdgg21cBx

— nrl images that precede unfortunate events (@nrl_twit) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Nathan Cleary got some stick for his celebration when he sent the game to golden point with a late conversion. Unfortunately for him he wasn’t celebrating at full time:

Already a contender for the best NRL twit in the 2023 season 😍 pic.twitter.com/4yn888mfxb

— V (@TicsVitsJacThic) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, the League Freak was unhappy with the officiating in the game:

The ref has been so one sided. Unbelievable! Gotta overcome it tho! #PantherPride #RugbyLeague #NRL

— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 18, 2023

Others were keen to point out the difference between the salary caps in Super League and NRL:

Our salary cap in #SuperLeague is equivalent to $3.7M compared to $12.1M in #NRL and Saints have just gone over there and turned the invincible Panthers. Unreal when you think about it #WorldClubChallenge #C4League

— David Beeston (@DavidBeeston) February 18, 2023

All the while, Wigan legend Jason Robinson praised the Saints for helping the sport in the UK.

Huge congrats to the @Saints1890!!!
Great result for rugby league in the uk!!! @SuperLeague #PENvSTH #WorldClubChampions 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

— Jason Robinson (@Jason15Robinson) February 18, 2023