LEEDS coach Rohan Smith suggested that they may have caught Saints feeling jaded from the effects of the past fortnight's gruelling schedule in last night's game.

Although Paul Wellens did not look to fatigue as an excuse for the way they were pipped by a point in their first home game since September - the Saints boss suggested that they are in "unchartered waters" when it comes to their recovery.

Saints players had a journey of up to 53-hours on their way back from winning the World Club Challenge a fortnight ago - and although they bounced to victory at Castleford last Sunday, the five-day turnaround off the back of the back of that may have been a contributory factor in an unusually careless display.

Wellens said both he and his staff will keep a close watch on the players during this period to ensure their workload is managed. 

When asked about the impact of the schedule Wellens said: "I did not feel that way coming into the game or for large periods in the game, only the lads can answer that.

"With the Australia trip we are in unchartered waters as it is not something we have experienced and so don’t know if there is fgoing to be a drop in energy or intensity today, next week or the week after.

"All we can do is keep a close eye on our players, keep communicating with them and do the best we can for them to put them in a position both mentally and physically to go out there and perform."

The loss was disappointing and you could almost hear Saints' balloon being burst on the final hooter after the big homecoming build-up.

But suggested that may have added extra motivation to the Rhinos ahead of the game.

"It is disappointing," Wellens said.

"A lot has been made of this week and coming home off the back of winning a World Club Challenge, but those situations can act as a motivator for the opposition as well - and I think it did.

"But at the same time losing at home is always disappointing and we will look to rectifying that next time we are here."