I have to say I think St Helens have shown why they're champions in recent weeks. To respond to two big defeats and two big injuries by grinding out three wins against tricky opponents is impressive. Was hoping/expecting they'd drop some points from the last two which would maybe open the door for us for 2nd place. As it is they'd have to be decent favourites for it now when you compare the two fixture lists.



Every chance it could come down to a Wigan/Saints semi final and home advantage would definitely be crucial in that one.

Whilst I don’t disagree that they have been able to grind out a couple of wins I think it is fair to say the rugby gods have looked on them favourably. They are obviously a champion team and I would expect them to be in the shake up come the seasons end but they did look vulnerable today in the second half against 12 men. I think we are looking at a Wigan/Saints semifinal but it is in our hands to get a home draw. We have only ourselves to blame if we don’t meet the top two, the Wakefield loss could be costly.

Swings and roundabouts - I think we were lucky to play both cup finalists between the semis and final. Agreed that the Wakefield defeat could be very costly. Leeds at home is another one that springs to mind, being 14-0 up against 12 men.



Saints do play both relegation candidates away from home in the run in which might not be easy.

I'd definitely have taken 3 wins from the last 3 particularly given for the Leeds and Salford games we had 8/9 missing, not just squad players but players that would be in the 17.



Yesterday was a strange one, we were 12-0 up inside 10 minutes playing as well as we have done all season and then when Greenwood is sent off, they are galvanised and we suddenly think its easy (a point made by Wellens after the game) We tried to force too many points and as a result made a lot of errors, gave stupid penalties away and a few six agains.



Batchelor and LMS returned yesterday and also Matautia after his ban. Batchelor only played 20 mins though as per the plan.



Hurrell and Sironen should return after the next 2/3 weeks and then its all about form at the business end of the season. We definitely miss the "punch" that Paasi and Walmsley give us as Lees and Delaney don't get us on the front foot as much.



Having said all this we are still only a Welsby injury away from our season being over. He got some stick on social media last night from Wigan fans for the Naiqama try yet sets up 2 for Makinson and scores one himself yesterday. He is the focal point of our ability to score and his defensive weaknesses at times are negated by his outstanding attacking ability.



Leigh v Catalan next week then Wigan go to Catalan so there are points to be dropped for the top teams for sure.

Watson not at all happy with the send off, could be popcorn time with today's disciplinary meeting, nice knowing we've got nothing to worry about this week

I've watched the incident a few times but it's difficult to make out for sure if Lees makes contact with the head of Greenwood first. I think he probably does and if that is the case, he is lucky the game was not on TV. It was certainly more out of control than what Shorrocks saw red for in the cup semi and unlike a ducking Micky Lewis, we've got a 6ft 5 Joe Greenwood here, running upright in to contact. I said I had no issue with the Shorrocks incident in the semi because they're reasonably consistent and players get sent off for them now but maybe that's just if the game is on TV and the VR looks a numerous slow motion replays.



Greenwoods red is extremely soft but I suppose you can't move your elbow towards somebody, even if you think you've been attacked to the head and should instead fall to the floor and play dead because that is what the rules are encouraging nowadays. As for Knowles, well he does Knowles things on the floor but they won't ban him for that.

Leaves the floor/jumps to hit him that high so reckless at the least

Also Lees throws a punch at Greenwood whilst everyone is still standing doesn't he ?

It's Knowles who you could possibly say is throwing a punch but he just grabs his collar in the end and I can't see them pinning him for it.



If that game was on TV, I think Lees sees red, Greenwood sees red and Knowles might have got spoken to as well. As it was, Greenwood get hit high, Knowles then starts to rough him up and Greenwood gets sent off for his troubles. You can't help but feel a bit sorry for him.

Knowles reacts to his mate getting elbowed in the face however seems to me to be more of an arm grab rather than a clenched fist strike. Lees may/may not cop a ban given the contact but what annoys me is the coverage we are getting. Watson openly asking for the RFL to look at this incident, when was the last time a coach does that? This is to deflect attention from his underperforming team and him as a coach.



I see he makes little reference to the cannonball tackle on Percival which was a shocker and may well see English getting a few games. Hill also had his head in Lees face at one point too, we can all find incidents.

Makes no odds to us, we're done with both teams till the play-offs and I can't see anyone picking up a 7+ ban but it'll give us a giggle if RedVee goes all RFL conspiracy again IF a Saints player gets a ban out of all of this

Two games for Lees, none for Greenwood, no mention of Knowles and a caution for English.



I'm surprised they've gone against Thalers decision on the field tbh and it's not a great look for him that they have done so.

I'm not esp after Watson had his say!!