KIERON Purtill says Saints showed “resilience” to come through their match with Bradford Bulls on Friday night.
He was referring to the resolute performance when down to 11 men and reckons it shows the Club’s continuing progression over the last couple of weeks.
“We’re pleased,” Saints’ Assistant Coach said. “We came out the back of a tough game with two points and had to hang in there when we were down on numbers.
“It showed resilience and, I suppose, removes that hoodoo about winning here [at the Stobart Stadium].
“The press will have to find something else to write about now, but yeah, it gets it out of the way!”
He continued: “Our half backs showed their increasing maturity too. They are getting better with every match as they gain the experience. It will stand the Club in good stead for the future.
“Jonny Lomax showed maturity with the ball and his pass selection. He has been used as a utility player so is still learning the half back role and he’ll get better.
“But as well as the younger lads who are getting the plaudits – the senior players have stood up too. Wello [Paul Wellens] is like a vintage wine, he keeps getting better and is leading by example.”
Saints lost two players at the back end of the game to sinbinnings and Purtill admits whilst the team coped well when Sia Soliola and Michael Shenton were off the field, there needs to be some consistency with the decisions.
“We’re still trying to work out why they were sinbinned and Royce [Simmons] didn’t want to come into this conference and perhaps say something he would regret.
“If that’s what we’re doing this season there needs to be come consistency because we don’t want to end up like Rugby Union when we are stopping the game every two minutes. We need to make sure the game runs.”
Francis Meli tweaked his hamstring in the game and his injury will be assessed over the next couple of days.
