Keiron Cunningham demands response from St Helens
Wednesday 19 August 2015 16:24, UK
St Helens head coach Keiron Cunningham hopes some home truths will lead to a “good response” when his side face Huddersfield Giants on Thursday night.
Reigning champions St Helens suffered a shock 32-22 defeat against Hull FC last week and Cunningham said he could not get his head around the performance.
"It was a poor performance actually. We stumbled into that first half a little bit and then we spoke at half time and it was a real quiet dressing room, it was just a weird game, we came out and the boys were a bit lacklustre really," he said.
"We have had some tough home truths over the weekend, done some tough video work and challenged a few players, so I am really hopeful we will get a good response."
St Helens face a Huddersfield side who have the best defence in Super League but Cunningham is confident his side can break down their defence.
"We will just do our best and chuck everything we have at them. As long as we get our sets right and get a 50 per cent share of the ball I am confident we will be able to crack their defence," he said.
"They are a good side a real good defensive side and we're not too bad ourselves on our day so I am just hopeful we get our share of the ball and complete our sets."
We have had some tough home truths over the weekend, done some tough video work and challenged a few players, so I am really hopeful we will get a good response.
Cunningham added: "They are going to kick the ball long and chase hard and they work really hard as a club.
"They have got some real good attacking players, Danny Brough has the best kicking game in the competition.
"They have got great players all across the park. Joe Wardle is one of the best back rowers or centres in the competition. He goes under the radar every week, he is a great player someone I would definitely like in my side."
St Helens ended the regular season just a point behind leaders Leeds but back-to-back defeats have effectively ended their bid for the league leaders' shield.
They are now just two points in front of fourth-placed Huddersfield, who have a superior points difference.
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Cunningham said: "Everybody is looking for momentum. You don't want to work as hard as you have worked all year to get into the play-offs and then fall away.
"It's a bit disappointing, it's pointless playing as hard as you have all year.
"We want momentum and consistency we have got to do that and start on Thursday."
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