SAINTS will look to end their longest ever post war absence from Wembley Stadium when they tackle the hugely improved Catalans Dragons at Bolton Wanderers FC on Sunday (12.30pm).

Cheers and cries of ‘Wembley’ initially greeted the draw when it took place at Saints eight weeks ago - something that was brought up by Catalans prop Sam Moa as a motivation this week.

But there is no doubt that the fixture has, week by week, become tougher with Steve McNamara’s side gelling since the introduction of half back Josh Drinkwater and the addition of the combative Kenny Edwards.

Saints, however, are playing well, finding ways to keep winning and have a focus for silverware that they have had since the depths of the winter pre-season meeting.

They will be taking nothing for granted as they seek their first trip to Wembley since 2008.

Coach Justin Holbrook said: “In November when we came together we discussed Wembley and the club not being there for 10 years and we understand that.

“There is not, all of a sudden, extra pressure on us this week – we understand the importance of this comp and want to get there as a group.

“And we are all aware that there are a lot of people in the town who want to get to Wembley too, and I am fine with all that.

“So do I – I don’t fear it, I look forward to it.

“It is a great opportunity for the squad and what we have been working towards.

“Sunday is when it counts and we have to deliver.”

Saints will be without on-song second row Dom Peyroux who has had surgery on a broken arm.

In his place Morgan Knowles will revert to second row with Matty Lees coming on to the bench, allowing Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook to rotate the loose forward berth with Jon Wilkin.

Catalans will be without the experienced Greg Bird, who has been banned for four matches following a dangerous tackle against Wigan last week.

Wingman Jodie Broughton will also miss after being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Holbrook has as much respect for the Catalans side now, as he did back in June, and is braced for what the French-based outfit will throw at Saints.

“For me Catalans were always going to come good.

“The side they have got on paper meant they were never going to stay near the bottom.

“They have come good now that is for sure.

“That said I still would have had as much respect for them had they still been lingering as much as they were at the start, just because of the calibre of players they have got.

“The fact that they are coming good makes it more of an exciting game but I’d have feared them just as much had they not.

“I would be the same if we were playing Leeds, who are in the bottom four.

“It is obvious that we will be favourites for this as we are sitting first.

“I am fine with that tag, but we just need to go out and play well on Sunday,” Holbrook said.