Head Coach Paul Rowley spoke to the press following St.Helens’ 0-46 home loss against Toulouse Olympique.
Rowley admitted St.Helens fell well below the standards expected of the Club following a disappointing home defeat, describing the performance as unacceptable and acknowledging the frustration of the supporters.
The Head Coach refused to use the Club’s injury problems as an excuse, insisting effort, attitude and professionalism are non-negotiable. While recognising Saints were without a host of senior players, he said everyone who wears the shirt has a responsibility to uphold the Club’s standards and admitted it was a difficult afternoon for the young players who were making their debuts.
Rowley felt the game was lost through poor execution and a failure to get the basics right, pointing to handling errors, weak defence and a lack of intensity. He praised Toulouse for taking full advantage, congratulating Sylvain Houles’ side on a deserved victory.
Despite calling it one of the lowest performances he has seen from his team, Rowley stressed the players care deeply about representing the Club and said the display would be dealt with internally. He also revealed Saints’ injury problems could worsen after Owen Dagnall suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury.
