HE is one of the most highly decorated players in the game – and today thanks to Super League’s title sponsors Betfred, Scully launches his new exclusive column here in the Star.

The Saints legend pulls no punches as he opens up on who he’s tipping for Grand Final glory, the 2018 Man of Steel contenders – and discusses the key players in Friday’s crunch game.

Friday’s visit of champions Leeds could well be the game of the season so far.

Make no mistake it will be tight – and as often happens when the bigger teams meet there will be a huge increase in intensity and quality.

But Saints are unbeaten and riding high at the top of the Betfred Super League table so will be ultra-confident and have no reason to fear anyone.

For me the head to head clash in the centre between Mark Percival and Kallum Watkins will be crucial.

They are likely to line-up directly up against each other with Percy on the left and Kallum on the right.

Percy with his three tries against Warrington last time is proving he’s put behind him the disappointment of not being as involved as he would have liked in the World Cup Down Under.

Both are in great form but I think Percy has the edge, although Kallum had a solid game getting on the scoresheet twice himself against Hull FC last week.

One opposition player I have huge respect for is Jamie Jones-Buchanan – the oldest fella in Super League.

I noticed that at the ripe old age of 36 he made the most tackles in the Rhinos’ hard-fought win against the Black and Whites. He has a decent engine and may keep going for another season, well whatever he decides JJB has been a massive asset for his club and the game as a whole.

Talking of characters we certainly have a good ‘un…Mr Entertainment Ben Barba. He’s world class, who like all players of his undoubted ability always seems to have all the time in the world, either making an eye-catching break or making space through his mere presence for others to capitalise on. What I have spotted about Barba he’s always smiling which shows he’s enjoying his rugby, which is brilliant for Saints and the club’s supporters.

Betfred have Barba as 4/1 favourite for 2018 Man of Steel but don’t rule out his team mate and skipper James Roby who is an 8/1 shot.

While Barba has the X-factor Roby is Mr Consistent, consistently brilliant, making everything click. The fact is, if either of them pick up the supreme individual award, which was one of the highlights of my own career, it will mean Saints have had a great season.

I tipped Saints to win the Grand Final this season before a ball was kicked,so I’m not just saying this because Saints have made such a brilliant start to the campaign, but I’m convinced Saints have a great chance to become Super League champions.

There is a long way to go but Betfred could well be spot on making Saints 2/1 favourites to be champions with the biggest threat from Wigan and Castleford.

As for Warrington it’s just not happening for new coach Steve Price. You see glimpses but generally the Wire are not playing well.

They are so inconsistent and look like they are lacking ideas in attack. So for the big one…I’m reckoning on a close game but I’ll go Saints to beat Leeds by eight! (5/6 at Betfred)