THAT’S how you get back on track and shut doubters up! A great performance from the Saints as they get back to winning ways with an outstanding 36-16 win against Wakefield.

Not many teams travel to Chris Chester’s Trinity and come away with a result, let alone one so convincing. A great team effort with everyone standing up. However, special mentions to two try hero Tommy Makinson, who has been magnificent all year and really making a claim to be the number one choice for England in the upcoming Autumn series against New Zealand.

Also, big wraps for young Jack Ashworth, who was brought it to replace the suspended Luke Thompson and what a game he had! A big, strong and aggressive forward who also came up with some smart plays, he’s certainly made it hard for Justin to leave him out!

This was just the performance we needed be meeting arch-rivals Wigan next week! Wigan themselves have hit a bit of form and following a big win in the South of France over Challenge Cup finalists the Catalan, will be coming to the TWS to cause an upset.

However, I believe like last week, we have a stronger side on paper and if come out with the attitude they showed at Wakefield we will take the points and virtually seal the league-leaders shield. I’ll go for a Saints win by 10pts.

So, it’s on to one of the biggest dates in the rugby league calendar this weekend, the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Obviously we were desperate to see Saints back at Wembley but it wasn’t to be.

So it’s Catalan Dragons v Warrington.. a difficult game to call! Both teams go into the final following Super 8 losses to Wigan and Castleford respectively, but were all minds on this week?

The week of Wembley is the best!

From suit fittings, press conferences and a few days’ prep in London, all in build up for the big event on Saturday.

Then when Saturday comes it gets even better! The bus ride in through all the cheering fans, the walk on the pitch before getting your game face on, and walking out the tunnel to ‘Abide with me!’

If that does get the hairs standing on end, you’re in the wrong job! I had the pleasure of winning 4/5 Challenge Cup Finals (we don’t talk about 2002!) and would give anything for one more!

Warrington are favourites, with numerous players who have been there and done it several times before...BUT if Catalan can put a performance that they showed in the semi’s they are more than capable of causing an upset.

I think Steve McNamara’s game plan needs to be one similar to the semi if they are to win, simple, clinical attacking football and very aggressive defence.

What a great boost it would be for French rugby league though if the trophy did go back to Perpignan. Our game needs to grow internationally, and it’s great to see Catalan, along with Super8 Qualifiers Toulouse and Toronto all competing at their respective levels.

I’m going to stick with my former club however, and go for a Wolves win by 16pts (-12 Warrington Handicap is 7/4 at Betfred).