BRAD ARTHUR said he wished he could have worked with Jake Connor when the playmaker was younger after another match-winning display.
The Man of Steel, 31, has produced career-best form at Leeds Rhinos under Arthur and stepped up to steer a comeback 24-16 victory over St Helens.
“We didn’t quite nail some big moments in the first half and a bit of frustration crept in, particularly with Jake Connor,” said the coach.
“But in the second half we went out there and Jake iced some big moments for us.
“It would have been nice if I could have got my hands on him when he was 25. I’m so proud of him. His composure won us that game tonight.
“I’m very pleased we got the result. I don’t think we were great, we were good but not great. I think we learned some lessons and it was a step in the right direction for us.
“We had belief that if we dominated field position we’d come away with the win. It doesn’t have to be pretty.
“I’m happy with the result – with people talking about how long it is since we beat them here (nine years) – and the monkey’s off the back.
“The manner we went about the victory was pleasing.”