Cunningham: Salford taught us a lesson

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham says Salford taught his team a lesson tonight and has threatened to wield the axe on his squad ahead of the World Club Series.

Salford ran in eight tries in a comprehensive 44-10 win. Saints take on the Roosters next weekend in the World Club Series.

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham did not mince his words after the game.

“As soon as you lose the energy battle in rugby league you might as well walk off the field basically,” he told Sky TV post-match.

“I don’t wan’t to take any shine off Salford’s performance. I thought hands down they were the best team on the field.

“They came with the right attitude and the right game-plan and they played it. They were brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

“I could smell a bit of complacency before the game and we didn’t really do ourself justice. We looked for a response after half-time and we didn’t really get it.

“I’m just disappointed, really disappointed but I don’t want to use that as an excuse.

“We don’t need to question our atitude, without a doubt 100% [it was poor], thats what it is. You look at 12 months ago we came here with a great attitude. Last week we came to Langtree with a great attitude and did a great job.

“Regardless of who you’re playing in rugby league it’s a simple game. You run hard and you tackle hard. You kick and you chase hard, and you generally win the game.

“Salford taught us a lesson tonight. Hopefully a few of those boys will learn the lesson for next week. I was as shocked as everyone else.

“I don’t like making idle threats but you have to look at who you pick in the team now. If people don’t want to play for the shirt, you have to look at that.

Salford were superb in attack and defence to notch their first victory of the season.

“We spoke about our start being really good,” Red Devils coach Ian Watson said.

“I’m just really pleased with the boys that we’ve got that result. We just have to make sure we’re consistent.”