Head Coach Paul Rowley reviews St.Helens’ narrow 16-14 defeat against Wigan Warriors at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as part of Magic Weekend 2026.
Rowley took plenty of encouragement from St Helens’ performance despite Sunday’s narrow Magic Weekend defeat to Wigan Warriors.
The Head Coach praised his players for their commitment and effort in an intense derby, believing they showed the attitude and determination needed to compete at the highest level. While disappointed not to come away with the win, he felt there was plenty for the team to build on.
Rowley believes Saints created enough opportunities to get more from the game but knows they will need to be more clinical when they are on top. He sees that as another step in the team’s development as they continue to develop his style of play.
The contest was interrupted by several injuries and head injury assessments, making it a difficult game to manage from the sidelines. Rowley was also left a little bemused by some decisions, highlighted further by the team overturning decisions made on the field four times with the Captain’s Challenge.
Attention now turns to next week’s trip to Toulouse, with Saints waiting to assess several players after a physically demanding fixture. Rowley said the Club will review the squad’s injury list, which has sadly been added to from the contest with Wigan, before finalising plans for next Sunday’s game against the French side.
