Paul Wellens has made his demands ahead of St Helens’ semi-final with Hull KR.
Although Paul Wellens was eager to celebrate St Helens’ dramatic 16-14 play-off victory over Leeds Rhinos, the head coach admitted that a similar performance won’t cut it against Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield winners Hull KR in the semi-finals.
The two sides will face off at Sewell Group Craven Park on Saturday for the right to walk out at Old Trafford and compete for Super League glory against either reigning champions Wigan Warriors or high-flying Leigh Leopards, who meet in the other semi-final on Friday night.
A last-gasp effort after the full-time hooter that featured 16 passes saw forward Shane Wright seal an epic comeback for the Saints, stunning not only the Headingley crowd but the rugby league world with an effort compared to the famous ‘Wide to West’ try of 2000.
Willie Peters’ Hull KR meanwhile secured a week off after claiming top spot on the table at the end of the regular season, and will head into the clash as favourites as they bid to complete a historic treble at the Theatre of Dreams.
Wellens knows his team must raise their standards to have any chance of denying the odds once again.
“We need to come in on Monday and work on things,” said the Saints great.
“There’s certain aspects of our game that weren’t up to scratch, particularly in the first 40 minutes and if we turf that up next week, we are not going to be going to a Grand Final.
“So, it’s important that we enjoy the win, but also come back in on Monday with a mindset around making the necessary improvements that we’re going to need to make.
“And also looking at some of the stuff that we did really well, I think that’s important too.”