St Helens: Super 8s preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 17:08, UK
We take a look at the Super League season gone by for Saints, and preview their Super 8 hopes.
Story so far:
New captain, new coach. The champions went into 2015 with confidence from the Grand Final win over Wigan, but they’re now under new stewardship with Keiron Cunningham in charge, while Jon Wilkin replaced Paul Wellens as skipper.
Wellens retired mid-season, a hip injury ending his 17-year career in the Red Vee. Things have gone well for the Saints, finishing just a point behind Leeds with one more defeat.
They scored the second-most points after Leeds, and conceded the third-least - behind Huddersfield and Wigan - so all areas of their game seem to be firing going into the Super 8s.
What’s gone right:
That pack. There’s some serious beef on show at Langtree Park. With Alex Walmsley the league’s highest metre-maker, the Saints have plenty of go-forward, while Mose Masoe, Kyle Amor and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook more than do their bit.
With James Roby marshalling them, they’re capable of busting holes in any opposition, giving the backs plenty of opportunity to do damage with the ball.
What’s gone wrong:
Three damaging defeats to Leeds. Keiron Cunningham was furious with his side after their Headingley humbling and they conceded 87 points in the two league meetings so far this season.
The Challenge Cup semi-final was a bitter blow too. With an away trip to Headingley to come in the 8s, and then potentially having to get past the Rhinos if they want to win a second Super League crown in a row, St Helens need to work out just why Leeds seem to have their number this season.
Super 8 chances:
Strong. Second in the league and, we’ll mention it again, defending Champions.
The memories of last year’s play-off run will give them confidence going into the crunch stage of the season and with four home games to come in this next stage of the competition - including hosting Wigan and Huddersfield - there’s no reason St Helens can’t overhaul the current leaders.
One to watch:
Luke Walsh’s return gives the side some much needed direction, but there are concerns over his defence. James Roby is by far the league’s best hooker, but step forward Alex Walmsley. We’ve already mentioned his go-forward ability, but he’s also made the most carries and the third-most tackle busts in the league.
The former Batley man signed a new contract this season after attracting interest from the NRL and he’s proved himself as one of the best props in the competition this season.
