Saints coach hails Wellens

Reigning Man of Steel impresses Anderson

Last updated: 31st August 2007

anderson st helens saints

Anderson: pleased by second-half

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St Helens coach Daniel Anderson reserved special praise for Paul Wellens after his side's 32-10 victory over Harlequins at Knowsley Road.

Wellens - the reigning Man of Steel - scored his 24th try of the season during the win to help the Saints move two points clear of Leeds Rhinos at the top of the engage Super League.

"I don't think I've seen him (Wellens) play poorly," said Anderson.

"He threw away a couple of passes in the first half but as usual he was in the right position to defuse every kick.

"And he got another try, so it keeps him there or thereabouts for top try-scorer.

"In terms of him winning Man of Steel, I wouldn't argue with that, but it's difficult to pick someone over the course of the year at St Helens because so many players have played well.

"I was really pleased with the performance because they just refused to be slack in the second half."

Purdham injury

Harlequins play-off ambitions are now almost over after a run of six games without a win.

And there was further bad news for the Londoners as Rob Purdham sustained a potentially serious shoulder injury during the defeat.

"We couldn't match them in the second-half and in terms of the play-offs our chances are very slim," said McDermott, whose side are now ninth in the table.

"Mathematically we can still get into the play-offs but realistically it's over.

"There's the slimmest of slim chances that we can still get in there - and we will be going for it - but in all reality the play-offs have gone."