Interim Head Coach Eamon O’Carroll gave his review following St.Helens’ 6-34 loss to Leeds Rhinos in Round 25 of the Betfred Super League.
Saints started brightly and competed strongly through the opening stages, with O’Carroll feeling the first 30 minutes had been an attritional contest between two good sides. However, Leeds took control and went into half-time 0-18 ahead. O’Carroll admitted Saints’ second try conceded was below their usual defensive standards, while he also felt some poor end-of-set decisions added to the pressure.
The visitors continued to dominate after the break, with Saints struggling to make progress out of their own half. O’Carroll pointed to a lack of patience in attack, contrasting the side’s composed and effective first-half sets with their approach after the interval. He felt the performance highlighted the importance of sticking to the structures the team has worked on in training.
There was a positive moment in Jonny Lomax’s return to action, just 11 weeks after suffering a double jaw fracture. O’Carroll praised the veteran’s determination and team-first mentality, highlighting the example he continues to set for Saints’ younger players. He also backed Jack Welsby, who captained the side, to become a future leader of the Club and praised the way he has developed through a difficult period.
While disappointed by the defeat and its impact on Saints’ play-off hopes, O’Carroll stressed that the season is not over and that the Club must continue to build for the future. He also believes the extended opportunities being given to young players will prove valuable, provided they learn from the adversity they are experiencing during a challenging period for the team.
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