St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf is hopeful the new rule changes adopted by Super League and the NRL will improve the quality of the rugby league as a whole.
Last weekend’s restart fixtures saw the new laws in play for the first time in Europe, including the scrapping of scrums and the much talked about ‘six again’ rule.
Woolf’s side seemed to adapt well, easing to a 34-6 win over Catalans and the Saints boss said while the changes have taken a toll on his players, he is hopeful they will improve the game in the long run.
“I was pleased with our approach to the game on Sunday.” he said. “I still think we have plenty of improvement in us. We did fall away in the second half slightly but that was down to fatigue.
“The two games were intense. The rule changes have made it tougher to recover as a result of the increased intensity.
“However, I thought there was plenty of quality on show and hopefully it can improve the sport as it goes on.”
St Helens put six tries past Catalans last Sunday. Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
St Helens are back in action this Sunday, when they face old enemies Leeds at Emerald Headingley Stadium.
Their squad came through last week’s clash practically unscathed and are set to welcome back two key players this week, which Woolf hopes will give them a boost against the eight-time champions.
“Matty Lees will be available, so will Dominque Peyroux.” Woolf said. “We have some sore bodies and it will be a tough game against Leeds, who sit top of the table.
“We just have to keep playing our game. We produced some fantastic attacking rugby which was great to see.
“We cannot give Leeds an inch otherwise, as they showed, they will gain some momentum and use that to their advantage.
“It should be a great game of rugby league. I am hopeful the lads will take the attitude they have shown in training into this match and hopefully, we will come out on top.”
