Wellens thinking big as Saints stun rampant Rhinos

PAUL Wellens believes St Helens have set a blueprint after defeating in-form Leeds Rhinos 18-4 on a sweltering night at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

- By ELEANOR CROOKS

Rhinos went into Friday's contest on a five-game winning run in the Betfred Super League, including victory over Saints on Magic Weekend, but were limited to only one try as the hosts produced big moments at both ends of the field.

"This was a really important game for us," said head coach Wellens. "I thought the way the team approached it was first class. We've come off the back of a short turnaround at Salford, and that was a physical game.

"We've done next to nothing on the training field but the players have got themselves in a position to go out there and perform like that against a really good side. To keep them to only four points on a night like this I think was a huge defensive effort.