Saints Edge Wellens Testimonial

Tony Puletua scored a try on his first appearance as St Helens ground out an unimpressive 26-22 victory over Wakefield in the Paul Wellens testimonial match at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.

The former New Zealand Test forward, who has joined the club from Penrith Panthers, made an encouraging start to his England career, catching the eye with some strong runs in two spells.

England international Maurie Fa'asavalu, young scrum-half Jamie Ellis and back rower Chris Flannery were the other players to impress for Saints, who fielded 10 members of their Grand Final team, while Wellens created two of his side's five tries.

Wakefield, who gave a first appearance to new signing James Stosic, were without eight regulars through injury and illness but they often looked the better team and three times they held the lead.

Hooker Sam Obst scored the only try of the first half, as the Wildcats led 6-0, but he went off injured just before the break and was sorely missed by the Yorkshiremen in the second half.

Puletua brought Saints level four minutes into the second half when he took Keiron Cunningham's short pass to crash over near the posts while centre Chris Dean, wingers Ade Gardner and Tom Armstrong and substitute Matty Ashurst scored the home side's other tries.

Wakefield's second-half tryscorers were full-back Matt Blaymire, centre Ryan Atkins and winger Damien Blanch, with Tony Martin kicking three conversions.