DANIEL ANDERSON refused to be downcast despite defeat in his final game.

The St Helens coach is returning home to Australia. But he insisted all he will have are good memories from his time at the club.

He said: “It’s disappointing you lose but I don’t see it as a shame.

“It’s a huge privilege, a fantastic opportunity and three and a half years of fantastic memories.

“I have enjoyed my time. I have enjoyed the company of the people that I have met over here, I’ve enjoyed the company of the players, especially.

“They are fantastic rugby league players and very good men to boot. It’s been a privilege for me to be at St Helens.

“I will have a drink or two with a couple of the boys tonight and a lot of people that I have met in St Helens and enjoy my last few days.”

Saints were looking to avenge last year's Grand Final defeat to Leeds.

But Anderson admitted his side lost it before the break as the Rhinos won 24-16 at Old Trafford.

He said: “We were outplayed in the first half - that was the key to it.

“Second half we had a dig but we just weren’t quite on the pace and Leeds took their opportunity.

“We didn’t tackle that well, we missed some, and it was difficult tonight.

"Every time we got a sniff Leeds hit back very quickly to take away any confidence.

“We’re all desperately disappointed in the dressing room but these boys will bounce back. It didn’t go our way tonight.”