Huddersfield Giant 6-23 St Helens
(follow-up piece. also on the official St Helens website at: http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/1570)
It was astonishing to see Sean Long kicking his 1000th career goal against Huddersfield, taking into account that he doesn’t even enjoy doing the job.
Long, who was instrumental in the win against the Giants, maintains he is willing to help the side out, despite his poor record of two conversions out of eleven this season.
“I have been practising my kicks more in training and they have been flying over, but when you miss one, it affects your confidence,” said the scrum-half.
He went on to say: “I wouldn’t mind a few easy ones in front of the posts so that I can get them over and build up for the harder ones.”
But it looks like he will be continuing with the duties, until the return of Steve Tyrer who is out on loan at new-boys Celtic Crusaders.
Despite being 32, he still has the passion and drive to reach yet another Grand Final and hopes to face the Rhinos once again.
The defeats against them in the previous two finals is still fresh in his memory, and admitted he would love to get one over on them this season.
“I hope we meet again at Old Trafford, but are able to beat them this time. It will be a difficult season but I am confident it will be a Saints-Leeds encounter,” said a bullish Long.
His landmark came via a drop-goal with two minutes to go, something which has broken the hearts of Super League teams many times before.
Unconverted tries in the first-half from Wellens, Gardner and Gilmour put Saints in a commanding position, but Paul Whatuira replied for the Giants early in the second.
New-signing Tony Puletua scored his first try for the club, before Long’s milestone moment, and there was still time for young Wheeler to add a late touchdown in the corner.
Former Catalans coach Mick Potter has taken over the reins at Knowsley Road, and has a hard act to follow in Daniel Anderson, who led the side to three consecutive Challenge Cup and Grand Finals.
Even though he has only been in the post for a short time, the Australian emphasised Long’s influence and importance to the team.
“He is an intelligent player who has extensive knowledge about tactics and position. He is a pleasure to coach and makes my job much easier,” said Potter.
Saints’ next game is at home to Hull KR and will be hoping to extend their perfect start to the new season.
Huddersfield: B Hodgson, Aspinwall, Lawrence, Whaturia, D Hodgson, Brown, Robinson, Mason, Moore, D. Griffin, Raleigh, Wild, Finnigan.
Replacements: Lolesi, Jackson, Korkidas, Lunt.
St Helens: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Gilmour, Armstrong, Pryce, Long, Puletua, Cunningham, Hargreaves, Wilkin, Flannery, Clough.
Replacements: Roby, Fa'asavalu, Frodsham, Wheeler.
Referee: T Alibert (France)
Shamoon Hafez
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