Three talking points | St Helens 34-2 Salford Red Devils

Following yesterday’s 34-2 defeat at the hands of St Helens we take a look at three talking points from the game. 
Discipline
Following yesterday’s defeat Head Coach Ian Watson bemoaned his sides ill-discipline which he felt was one of two key reasons Salford came away from the Totally Wicked Stadium empty handed.
The Red Devils penalty count was much higher than St Helens’ and the side gave away penalties at crucial times as well as towards the end of Saints’ sets which Ian Watson eluded to in his post-match press conference.
Logan Tomkins also pointed out the sides penalty count as one of the main reasons Saints were allowed to run away with the game. Read his full thoughts here.
Ben Barba
Many predicted Ben Barba to come to life this season following a full off-season with St Helens under his belt and he was certainly the standout performer for the hosts.
Barba crossed for two tries as well as being heavily involved in two others in a Man of the Match display. Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson listed the Australian full-back as the second major factor which helped Justin Holbrook’s men prevail.
Josh Wood
We’ve already picked him out once this season, but youngster Josh Wood continues to flourish this season at hooker.
Wood, who has come into the squad following an injury to Kriss Brining, has excelled this year and looks to be coming into his own on the Betfred Super League stage.
The 21-year-old adds a different dimension to The Red Devils going forward and is interchanging with fellow hooker Logan Tomkins well in the early weeks of the 2018 season.