PAUL ROWLEY was pleased with his St Helens players despite seeing a lead slip to lose 24-16 at Leeds Rhinos after David Klemmer’s yellow card.

“I thought we showed tremendous spirit throughout the game, particularly in the first half when we were camped on our own line,” said the Saints coach.

“I just thought there was a team that wanted to work for each other and the badge and that’s a good effort.

“We stood up for large parts of the game, as did Leeds, and we got an entertaining game. Unfortunately for us we came out on the wrong end of it.

“There’s a way of winning and a way of losing and if you’re going to lose, that’s a better way than our previous (they lost 30-10 at Castleford Tigers last time out).

“We weren’t fazed. We got some disruption last minute (Owen Dagnall pulled out ill at lunchtime) but we don’t get rattled by things like that.”

Rowley sarcastically suggested Saints didn’t get the rub of the green from the officials.

“I was down on the touchline and I’m not sure (about the Klemmer sin bin for a late tackle). Did he hit him in the head? I don’t think the context of the game required a yellow at that point.

“But (receiving) two six-agains, a penalty and a yellow card (to Leeds’ Cameron Smith) in the last three minutes? That was wonderful, I really appreciate it.”

Alongside Dagnall, St Helens were without fellow wingers Deon Cross and Lewis Murphy.

“Deon has a bicep rupture and Murph has got an issue with the elbow,” said Rowley, not confirming how long they might be out for.

[latest-selected-content ver=”2″ limit=”5″ display=”title” titletag=”h3″ url=”yes” elements=”25″ size_title=”16px” type=”post” taxonomy=”category” term=”st-helens” orderby=”dateD”