“Worst attacking Saints team I’ve seen” – St Helens’ fan fallout following defeat

St Helens slipped to a second defeat of the season as Catalans Dragons managed to grind out a 14-8 victory over Paul Wellens’ side in a raucous atmosphere at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

With reports of 1,000 to 1,200 Saints’ fans travelling, the Dragons’ owner Bernard Guasch had arranged for temporary stands to be built to accommodate what was expected to be a mammoth crowd and just as last time when the teams met, it was a colosseum of noise.

Of course, that last meeting saw one legend send another home packing, with Sam Tomkins skipping through the St Helens’ line to send his side to Old Trafford and end James Roby’s illustrious career with one final defeat and stop Saints’ ‘Drive for Five’.

That game was a special one and whilst last night’s affair wasn’t of the same quality, the intensity was certainly at the same level with both teams displaying why they had entered Round Seven as the top two in Super League.

Catalans’ coach Steve McNamara explained that the first half saw his side work, defend and tackle harder than they had all season, but for some fans, there was still contention regarding the result.

Each team had a try ruled out in the first forty minutes but decisions not to rule out Tommy Makinson and Matt Ikuvalu’s scores were contentious with Salford head coach Paul Rowley left questioning Makinson’s try whilst on comms for BBC.

Those were just two of the calls made by Liam Moore that fans on social media called into question.

Why can’t St Helens win in France?

Fans from all corners of Super League were very vocal on social media about the game, highlighting what a big draw that 8 pm Saturday night slot is when two top teams go at it, but the biggest sticking point was Tommy Makinson’s try in the first half.

Makinson barged over with two defenders in tow and despite rolling and thrusting himself to try and ground the ball, it was the opinion of many that he never actually managed to do so.

However, because Liam Moore awarded the try on the field there was no call for the video referee to make a decision, which wasn’t to the liking of most fans.

In the immediate aftermath posts on X highlighted the contention with it being labelled “a brave call” by one, whereas another was more blunt and argued that it was “never a try” before accusing Moore of bias.

Never a try. This ref is completely biased.

— GhostofTomJoad (@JoadGhosto1069) April 6, 2024

no idea why that wasn’t referred to the video ref

— Amelia (@awaterworth_) April 6, 2024

Another posted: “Jheeze, that just sums up the state the game is in at the minute, never a try.”

Jheeze that just sums up the state the game is in at the minute, never a try🤦‍♂️

— Jason Stevenson (@JasonStevo11) April 6, 2024

A different X user suggested the call was blatant match-fixing, posting: “That has to be the worst call I’ve ever seen. How can you give that or even see if it’s down?!! At least if you’re gonna fix it don’t make it obvious.”

That has to be the worst call I’ve ever seen. How can you give that or even see if it’s down?!! At least if you’re gonna fix it don’t make it obvious

— Elliott (@ehinch1) April 6, 2024

As for Saints’ fans, they were left debating why their attack wasn’t hitting the levels that it should be with the Red Vee often in good territory but rarely creating chances.

Our attack really is awful. 0 points in the second half is pathetic. Absolutely zero pace out wide and the wingers never get a pass anyway.

— Old Man Winter (@OldManWinter999) April 6, 2024

One fan asked: “What has happened to Saints? Catalans have done nothing, it’s all our own doing. Mistake after mistake.”

Several different fans described St Helens’ attack as “awful”, “woeful and laboured”, whilst the team’s ball skills were labelled “abysmal”.

Dreadful with the ball in hand as per usual. Our skills are abysmal

— SteveB. (@steve100872) April 6, 2024

Our attack is sadly woeful and laboured. Nothing planned, simply up the middle and pass along the line. Not good enough.

— SaintlyIan (@redveeian) April 6, 2024

Dreadful with the ball in hand as per usual. Our skills are abysmal

— SteveB. (@steve100872) April 6, 2024

The inability to beat Catalans in France, last night’s defeat being the fourth in a row, was also referenced by a number of fans.

“The same defeat every time. The worst attacking Saints team i have witnessed. Coaches unable to find the answer. Massively out of their depth,” claimed one fan.

The same defeat every time. The worst attacking Saints team i have witnessed. Coaches unable to find the answer. Massively out of their depth.

— mrob77 (@mrob773) April 6, 2024

Clueless in attack & even more clueless than that when it comes to discipline. We give out penalties like sweets; haven’t learned the lessons from last season.

— Charlotte Case (@SaintCharl1792) April 6, 2024

Next up for St Helens is a clash with Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup where fans will be hoping for a more potent attack.