Key talking points from Saints' defeat by Leeds Rhinos

1. Take the tough calls out of the equation.

FORMER skipper Chris Joynt used to always have an expression - “take the 50/50s out of the equation” and that is what Saints have to do in analysing some of the things that went wrong on Friday night.

We can carp on about the Richie Myler forward pass to Ash Handley that led to the first Leeds try, question why the challenge on Mark Percival after he had grounded the ball was not an eight-point try, curse the fact that Tommy Makinson had the “on-try” decision that would have killed it overturned by the video ref and scratch our heads why a clear shoulder charge (later confirmed bt the Match Review Panel) from Sam Walters on Matty Lees resulted in a Leeds penalty.

The last of those was tough, arguably the game-deciding play given that Leeds dominated field position after that.

It was mystifying to see how the challenge from Walters was considered legal - and coach Paul Wellens declared afterwards that he would seek clarification, spelling it out that if that tackle is now allowed then he would teach his physical players to deploy it.

Thankfully the MRP have subsequently fined Walters - and as such it avoids a precedent being set for that type of tackle. That stops it opening up the grey area can of worms that had been put back in the shoulder charge tin a few years ago.

While we wait on that, hopefully Saints will re-learn a lesson on how to deal with adversity.

Saints are a champion team - one that has been excellent in dealing with the cards it has been dealt over the past four years.

Part of this week’s review will no doubt take on board not simply address the things Saints did wrong in defence and discipline but how they allowed the calls that went against them to get under their skin.

2. Poor discipline.

One of Saints’ biggest failings on Friday night was discipline - and it was familiar culprits for the two yellows and the red.

Sione Mata’utia and Curtis Sironen both hit the Leeds passers late, in the back, after the ball had gone.

It shows the thin line between being forceful and putting pressure on the opposing pivots and the consequences of getting it wrong.

Leeds used the extra man well to work space and take advantage of Saints’ ill-discipline.

Konrad Hurrell’s response was probably borne out of frustration, coming a couple of minutes after the Leeds penalty from the Walters shoulder charge.

But his response to the red card was poor, arguing with the ref, not leaving the pitch side immediately and then kicking water bottles.

It shows he is passionate - and we know that by the way he plays - but it is a side that he should not repeat.

3. Lack of composure.

Saints’ discipline was poor, not simply in penalties and foul play - but with the way they played the game in fits and starts. They lacked the same sort of 80-minute ruthlessness and played in fits and starts.

And that allowed Leeds to grow in belief to start with and hang in their when Saints thought they were well on top.

Although it became obvious Leeds were going to keep on scrapping and keep on challenging Saints with their ball movement, they were unable to settle it down.

As the game became more frantic and chaotic, the more un-Saints like became the champions’ response - and they lacked the sort of composure that has helped them win so many tight games, including as recently as the WCC in Penrith two weeks ago.

Coach Paul Wellens did not want to use fatigue as an excuse, but off the back of the torturous 53-hour trip, the trip to Castleford and then a five-day turnaround they can be excused for being mentally and physically shattered.

Often, at the time of the Easter double header, we used to see a flat performance the week after. And even after the World Club Challenge of 2020 there were a couple of off-colour performances before Covid lockdown. Hopefully this can be written off as one such tired performance.

4. The prized Saints scalp.

Everyone wants to beat the champions - and that Saints scalp is probably even more sought after since the World Club Challenge success. Obviously that means that teams will raise their game every week to try and take down the Saints - but there are tow sides to that coin.

Although that can be exhausting and challenging, it has helped Saints be up to the mark on the really big occasions when it mattered.

There is no doubt after Leeds, Leigh Leopards - buoyed by their first Super League victory of the year - will have scented blood.

Going to a cauldron-like LSV for a local derby - as Saints found out in 2017 when they were knocked out of it by half time - will be a different sort of test for them, especially with three bans.

But every week is a challenge.

5. A glimpse of Lewis Dodd magic.

The result may have been disappointing, but there were still a few positive glimpses from the game.

How pleasing was it to see Lewis Dodd take his two tries so well.

The step off his left from first receiver to cut inside Sangare for the try was like Dodd pre-Achilles injury and helped reassure those who always have concerns about players returning from such an injury.

Dodd is clearly a gifted player - and one that will just continue to get better.

6. What to do with the East Stand.

Seeing three sides of the TWS ground packed but the East Stand sparse with visiting Leeds fans again shows how challenging it is to get folk to cross the Pennines on a Friday night.

And to be honest, even some Saturday/Sunday games have been poorly attended by visitors.

It is not a case of being moralistic - or having a go at fans for choosing not to come, but we need to find a better solution to avoid that empty space.

With the West Stand sold out this week the club belatedly opened turnstiles to both sets of fans this week, but there only appeared to be a handful.

It is probably time to stop designating the East Stand as the Away end.

The club should explore different avenues with sponsors, partners, schools and the community game on how they could incentivise the selling of tickets into that end and maybe house the travelling fans - bar for the Warrington, Leigh and Wigan games - in the end of the North Stand.

The key word there is selling - not giving them out - a strategy that has cost some clubs paying supporters in the past.