Denton man wins big with Betfred

"Never write off the Saints - that’s a saying synonymous with this great club. However, this week actions must speak louder than words!

"I say this after yet another hugely disappointing display, going down 18-12 away at the Leigh Leopards.

"This result took away the opportunity to finish fourth at the end of the regular Betfred Super League season and secure a home eliminator  against the Salford Red Devils. Instead it was the Leopards who secured fifth spot, pushing Saints to sixth -  and thus ending  Catalans Dragons season there and then, despite their win over Hull FC 24 hours later. The Red Devils were the big winners in the final round of the regular  season with their  gamble of fielding a virtual reserve team against Wigan which  paid off handsomely for Paul Rowley, retaining fourth  place ....and a crucial home tie.

"Saints head coach Paul Wellens admits it will take a Herculean effort if his side are to lift the Betfred Super League Grand Final trophy from this position. Firstly, having to get through an in-form Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday. Then, if successful, go to the Brick Community Stadium to take on newly crowned League Leaders Shield winners Wigan.

"One thing I do know is, the performance on Saturday needs to be a million times better  from that shown at the Leigh Sports Village.

"Wello spoke post game and said despite a loss on the scoreboard, it was a win for the team. I honestly have to disagree. I didn’t see anything positive from that game, other than securing sixth  place and not ending the season there and then.

"In defence of Paul, coaches are thrown in front of Sky cameras straight after a game, with all the emotion of what they’ve just watched….and there’s a bit of an unwritten rule of saying too much. I’m sure the post match post mortem in the changing rooms was very different.

"The game started well for the visitors. At the ten minute mark, we saw some great execution down the right edge with Tommy Makinson crossing over in the corner.

"Unfortunately, Lachlan Lamb’s dying swan as he brushed Sione Matautia’s shoulder was enough for video ref Ben Thaler to disallow the try.

"This is by far and away the worst rule in RL. It’s a cop out for a bad defender. A very ugly view of our sport and something I detest weekly. I honestly don’t know what else Sione can do  when he’s running a genuine line..

"Anyway, no doubt this had a bearing on the game, not only the all-important points but the confidence and momentum an early try gives. Instead, ten minutes later the Leopards open the scoring via skipper John Asiata following some poor defence by Jake Burns.

"More defensive disarray saw them double their lead and go into the break 12-0 up.

"The hosts were down to 12 men following a Ricky Leutele sin-binning, for what looked like a great hit on Jack Welsby. Saints made use of the extra man, again opening up the Leigh left edge, with Tommy Mak finishing it in his own spectacular style.

"Then three minutes later, a Jonny Lomax kick took an awkward bounce, and as per, Mark Percival led the chase and was first to the ball, knocking it back to Lewis Dodd who fed the supporting Morgan Knowles to go under the posts. And at 12-12 it was game on!

"Saints were back in it  despite yet again looking devoid of ideas on attack. Clearly again a lack of direction and organisation from our key indicators. This is something that needs to vastly improve this weekend if we are to get a result.

"More frustrating for Wello was the simple fundamental errors. We turned over far too much easy ball, giving Leigh too much possession and opportunity after opportunity in good field position.

"On 67 mins, Saints makeshift right edge was again pulled apart as Josh Charnley scored his 247th Super League try, joining Danny McGuire just behind Ryan Hall in the all-time scoring record. More importantly, he secured his side a place in the play-offs and a trip down the East Lancs to Salford on Friday.

"So, it’s do-or-die on Saturday, as we face a Wire side who won’t be lacking in confidence, having scored 120 unanswered points in their last two games.

"However, Saints will be hoping that the opposition won’t be battle hardened and can take advantage.

"I think if Saints are to win, they have got to be super aggressive, on both attack and defence. There definitely needs to be more defensive cohesion on the edges, especially with the pace of the Wire's Matty Ashton and his team mate Josh Thewlis on the wings. But, it starts with controlling the big fellas and ruck speed. Aggressive, but disciplined.

"On attack, obviously cut the individual unforced errors, but play very direct, quick ruck speed and bodies in motion. Once playing on the front foot we have enough ability to cause any team problems. But players have to want this, want to be clinical in the effort based areas.

"Wigan and Hull KR will be sitting watching with their feet up, having earned a week off. I think this is definitely an advantage this time of the year, averse to some people's opinions that it’s more beneficial to keep momentum of games.

"The Warriors, evens favourites with Betfred for Old Trafford glory on October 12, are taking advantage of the fixture free weekend, with Matty Peat choosing to take his players down to Bath RU for a three-day training camp ahead of next weekend's semi final."