THERE'S a saying in sport - class is permanent while form is temporary.
Yet again on Saturday we saw the class of the mighty Saints as they extended their FOUR-midable record of Betfred Super League titles.
The consecutive four-time champions, completely dominated a valiant and brave Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford, winning 24-12, a score that certainly didn’t reflect the game.
The only team to ever win four back to back championships in the 25-year history of Super League are now being lauded as one of the greatest teams in the Super League era, and who can disagree.
It’s difficult to compare players and teams across eras on who ‘is the best team’ …you can only play against what is in front of you - and this current group of players have clearly set the standard in the pastfour years.
There has been a lot of talk post game about the ‘togetherness & willingness to work for each other’ of this squad, and it’s no surprise this has resulted in producing consistently high quality performances.
The reigning champions got off to a flying start at Old Trafford, in front of 60,000 fans via a Matty Lees try, after great work by the eventual Harry Sunderland Award winner, the mercurial Jonny Lomax.
Lees’ try was the quickest ever try in a Grand Final, and pretty much set the scene of what was to come.
On 17 minutes, this was added to by a try in the corner by the irrepressible Jon Bennison, who continues to impress week and week, and possibly saved his best game of the season for the big stage.
Tommy Makinson coolly slotted over both conversions, and the Saints led 12-0 and looked like blowing the Rhinos away early.
However, as I said earlier you have to credit the underdogs, who months into the season were sat in a disastrous 11th place and almost certain to miss the play-offs (66/1 with Betfred at the time to win the Grand Final).
They managed to keep the Saints from scoring again in the first half, and kept their hopes alive with a converted try just before the half-time hooter, and went into the break the happier side, only 12-6 down.
Normal service was soon resumed, as former Rhino and now Saints crowd favourite Konrad Hurrell used his strength to barge over, putting us two scores ahead.
Then ten minutes later, Mark Percival pounced on a sublime kick from Jack Welsby and pretty much secured a fourth record-breaking Betfred Super League title.
Leeds scored the final points of the game via a Rhyse Martin consolation try, but much too little too late for the Rhinos.
What better way to send three-time winning coach Kristian Woolf off, back to Australia to join new NRL outfit, the Dolphins.
Woolfy has done a remarkable job since his appointment at the start of 2020, notably adding a defensive steel to the club that the recent successes have been built on.
Also, his ability to manage some difficult times around Covid, injuries and suspensions.
He has developed some great young players in those times that could be the key to success for years to come.
I personally want to wish Kristian and his family the very best on their next chapter.
So, who will be next?
I think we all know it has to be my old mate Paul Wellens.
Wello is more than ready to take the helm, and has himself had a very important influence on the past four years of glory.
Undoubtedly, with the job comes a lot of pressure, and after four titles in a row, the Saints fans will demand number five!
But, I know this guy can deliver.
Super League, and rugby league as a whole are set for a very interesting and exciting few months as new Commercial Partners IMG are set to present their findings, and more importantly their recommendations on where the game should be heading.
These are to help drive much needed commercial revenues, future Broadcasting deals and fan and player participation.
I’m possibly biased, but probably not… when I say we have the best product in the world on the field.
However, the sport needs to take drastic action to meet this off the field, in the above named areas.
Hopefully, IMG who are a global leader in this area can achieve their goals and take our fantastic sport to where it belongs.
Finally, another big thank you to my good friends, and title sponsors Betfred for their continued, hands-on support of all levels of the professional game…and Fred has already tipped the Saints to make 2023 five in a row!
That’s already available at 9/4 with my favourite bookies.
