NATHAN Brown was delighted for his players as they weathered adversity to beat Catalans on Saturday night.
They overcame the loss of Gareth O’Brien to record their fifth victory in sixth and move up to fifth in Super League.
“I thought the players showed plenty of commitment,” Brown said after the game. “Catalan are a good side and I like playing games against them. They are entertaining and they like to play Rugby League.
“To come here and get a win under the circumstances was fantastic. I thought they toughed it out with 12 men, but we finally got the try and our reward. We did well and I am really happy for the boys.
“When we lost Gareth O’Brien we had to move things around and it did cause problems as he is an out and out half. But Paul Wellens is a handy player for us. He played four positions last week and came in and played six and helped the team.
“Tommy Makinson is improving all the time and I thought all the younger players contributed tonight. Willie Manu was great and I thought Stuart Howarth was sensational. The fans were amazing too.
“We will continue to improve and get better and see where we end up.”
Brown told reporters after the game he was fuming with the tackle on Gareth O’Brien.
He said: “I let the match commissioner know what I thought about the tackle at half-time. I thought it was nothing short of disgraceful and the reason why they’ve done it (not sent Taia off) is because last week (Wigan second rower) Scott Taylor deliberately hit Gareth O’Brien in the head and knocked him out.
“I believe Zeb Taia is a lovely fella and a terrific player, but they’ve attacked his head deliberately and he’ll (Taia) get nothing because the match commissioner will be shocking about it.
“I find it absolutely downright rude and disgraceful that they (the RFL) don’t protect the players in the game, in particular the small ones, who are the key players.
“It is absolutely nothing short of appalling. If one of my own players did it, I’d expect them to be sent off and then be suspended for a long, long period of time. I’m really appalled that the RFL can allow this to keep happening.”
Saints face London at Langtree Park on Friday August 9 and tickets are now on sale.
