Anderson hails Wellens

12 April 2012

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson heaped lavish praise on reigning Man of Steel Paul Wellens after his four-try haul helped power the reigning champions two points clear at the engage Super League summit.

The Great Britain full-back claimed the plaudits after a sumptuous display of clinical finishing which saw him cross the line four times within the space of 26 second-half minutes.

"I didn't even know he'd scored four times, I thought he'd scored just three, but to get four is a wonderful effort," said Anderson after the 53-10 win against Catalans.

Anderson added: "He produced performances like that all the time last season and that's why he was crowned Man of Steel.

"His support play was terrific but his team-mates helped him as well, although overall we were a mixed bag."

Despite being crippled by injury, the visitors made a purposeful start which saw them waste two chances before opening the scoring in the seventh minute through loose forward Julien Touxagas.

However, Saints hit back to lead 19-6 at the break through tries from Jason Cayless, Leon Pryce, Keiron Cunningham and Matt Gidley.

Wellens stole the show after the restart, claiming his first try within 60 seconds before going to complete his quadruple with 13 minutes remaining.

There was still time for Maurie Fa'asavalu and Francis Meli to score as St Helens enhanced their rich run of form with 10 tries.

Skipper Paul Sculthorpe landed six goals while influential scrum-half Sean Long claimed a 40-metre drop-goal to ensure Dimitri Pelo's second-half touchdown was little more than consolation for Catalans.

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