Tommy Makinson out to answer critics as St Helens aim to be world’s best
TOMMY Makinson has heard it all before – now to prove the Australian critics of English rugby league do not know what they are talking about.
Listen to some and you could wonder why St Helens have even bothered flying Down Under for the World Club Challenge as Super League is not fit to lace the boots of the NRL.
Four titles in a row? Nothing. Star homegrown players? They are rubbish. Doing the business at home? They are levels below.
But winger Makinson knows it and, secretly, some of those proclaiming ‘facts’ know it. Saints deserve to face Penrith Panthers.
And hopefully they can show those writing them off there is talent outside Australia by beating a side containing six of the Samoa players who ruined his World Cup dreams in the semi-final.
Makinson, 31, said: “I feel the Aussies look at Super League as second rate.
“I don’t think they respect it as much as they should. If a full strength Saints side can come out on top against a full strength Panthers, it’s only going to bode well for our game.
“We know what rides on it. The game’s improving here, the standard of players is going up – we’ve got great players in this league.
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“It would be a great feeling if we win. The celebrations coming back will be a bit longer than at home – although if we lose, the bus journey back from Wakefield can feel as long as a flight from Australia!
“The clash of England and Samoa will be written about but St Helens and Penrith are different groups. It’s just an opportunity for this marvellous club to write more history.
“Forget the personal battles, they’ll be everywhere. It’s about the club going forward.”
Saints’ showing against St George-Illawarra – particularly early on when Paul Wellens’ senior stars were playing certainly put some Aussies on notice.
They are a serious threat, even though expected temperatures of 38 degrees have seen the kick-off time moved back and drinks breaks incorporated.
But full back Jack Welsby, who like Makinson played in England’s 27-26 last four loss, is adamant they will not wilt.
He said: “It’s like they’re surprised it’s going to be hot, it’s been hot all the time – even when it’s raining.
“But I’ve played in hot conditions before, it gets hot at pitchside at Wembley, trust me. It’s something we’re all used to.
“And Penrith being favourites takes the pressure off us. I’ve played for Saints for four years and I don’t think I’ve been an underdog yet, so it’s a nice change.
“All the talk of how good Penrith are is a positive for us. Hopefully if we perform well and get the win, it has a knock-on effect back home. Super League’s always looked down on.”