Saints’ thrashing by Toulouse sent shockwaves through the game. Credit: SWPIX.COMPAUL Rowley insists he was ready for the ‘short tolerance and pile-ons’ – but sits it all out.
Listen to many after the calamitous 46-0 loss to Toulouse on Sunday and the coach should be out after less than a year.
Paul Rowley is adamant he knew what he was getting into as talk over his St Helens future grows. Credit: SWPIX.COM
An astonishing 16 injuries to first team players, the latest being Daryl Clark’s season-ending ankle ligament issue, have forced him to raid his youth ranks.
But the manner of the performances, with the coach admitting some of his side gave up five days ago, left the boo boys louder than ever.
Rowley, though, was prepared for what the job may bring as his tactic of avoiding social media works, saying: “Everything’s magnified at a club like St Helens.
“But it’s not a surprise. It’s a big club, a big club with a big history and that happens in any sport, in any club.
“Look at Manchester United and everything there. If they’re not winning trophies, then people have a lot to say about it.
“So, it’s a reflection of the expectation and history of the club. That’s why I was excited to come to this club, because I want that expectation.
“I don’t hear the outside noise because I’m not on any socials, and I don’t live in the town.
“Where I live, in the circles that I’m in, I don’t really talk about rugby, so it’s good for my headspace.
“Players will, though, but if you take the pats, then you take the criticism as well.”
Saints’ bid to get back in the top six begins with another French exam as Catalans come to town.
Saints’ thrashing by Toulouse sent shockwaves through the game. Credit: SWPIX.COM
And Rowley knows the Dragons will be going all out to deepen the gloom, like anyone would.
He added: “A team with 16 players and just short of £2 million of its salary cap missing is vulnerable.
“We can avoid that subject as much as we want, but it’s real. If you’re in the opposite camp, then you’re coming for us, aren’t you?”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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