PAUL ROWLEY says the Challenge Cup Final break was useful for his St Helens side to reflect deeply on their shock defeat to Castleford Tigers last time out.
Saints go into Thursday’s trip to Leeds Rhinos level on points at the top of Super League with both their Headingley hosts and Warrington Wolves.
They could have been leading the way with a victory at lowly Castleford, but were beaten 30-10 in one of the surprise results of the season.
“It was good to stew on that performance for some time,” said coach Rowley.
“Sometimes it’s healthy to stew and not brush it under the carpet too quickly.
“It’s been fast and furious to start the season and we’ve been in fight or flight mode with all our injuries. We had a bit more time for reflection and got a break in there as well.
“I don’t think we learned anything we didn’t already know. It was just a compete punch in the face.
“We approached the game with perhaps the wrong attitude for whatever reason.
“This game can swing pretty fast and momentum is so big in the sport now. Every team is capable, whether they are bottom of the league or top.”
Rowley is looking forward to facing Leeds for the first time as St Helens coach.
“It’s a good game to play because it really will test us, certainly in terms of attitude,” he added.
“We need to be completely in the right headspace for this one because Leeds are a very good side.
“They pride themselves on their physicality and they’re also a good footballing side.
“They’ve had a couple of years together to get the group well balanced and they’re probably the most potent attacking side in the competition.
“It’s a tough fixture but we’re looking forward to it.”