SAINTS are the Champions.
Boy, it feels good to write that this week, and to plaster the scenes of glory throughout this week’s Star.
We have known for the past two years how good this team is. There is no doubt they are one of the finest in Saints’ history.
Just ask the skipper, James Roby who says it is the best side he has been part of.
As the Star’s sportswriter Mike Critchley wrote this week, it would have been a travesty had the team which finished 16-points clear at the top of Super League not won the competition.
At the heart of the success is the coach Justin Holbrook, who will return to Australia later this month.
It was a fairytale finish for Justin and there will be countless Saints fans who will be so pleased for him, particularly after the near misses.
Justin has been brilliant for St Helens and Saints.
Justin Holbrook
The positivity and confidence he exudes have been the hallmarks of his leadership. This has helped bring the team and the supporters closer.
He also understands the St Helens people and the culture here. He has embraced the parochialism and passion of the town.
To hear him describe St Helens as “our town”underlines the respect he has for the community here.
We can take lessons from his positivity about the place too. Often those of us born and bred here can focus too much on what we might not have here, which can breed negativity.
But there are those who come to live or work here, such as Justin, who quickly see the good things: the friendliness of the people, the sense of community and family, the good humour, civic pride and the passion for sport.
Justin will depart to coach the Gold Coast Titans in Australia’s NRL, fulfilling a career ambition.
He’ll depart with so many good wishes and leave major silverware in the trophy cabinet.
He’ll also leave a team and club in terrific shape for incoming coach Kristian Woolf.
But if we can embrace the positivity, enthusiasm and leadership and continue it in his absence, then Justin’s legacy can stretch far beyond the rugby field.
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