HAVING wrapped up the League Leaders Shield with two games to spare, Saints focus now shifts totally on wrapping up the big one at Old Trafford.

They were awarded their first piece of silverware since winning the double in 2014 after the win over Hull FC on Friday.

But despite the fireworks and lap of honour, the celebrations were subdued but respectful.

After the last two dead-rubber rounds are out of the way, the knockout will begin with Saints highly likely to be playing Warrington on October 4.

Getting the team mentally and physically prepared for that is all Saints boss Justin Holbrook is thinking about now.

He said: “It is a great achievement to be recognised as the most consistent team over 30 rounds.

“It is a nice trophy to win along the way to the end, but the main focus is the end of the year.

“I don’t see how us carrying on and celebrating it in an over the top manner could help us win at Old Trafford in four weeks time.

“We acknowledge and accept the League Leaders trophy as being fantastic for the club and the supporters.

“But when people say it is wrong that it comes down to two games - after the year we have had - I say that this is the exciting part.

“Instead of us fearing the play-offs, we have got to look forward to it.

“Players want to play in semi-finals and finals.

“We want to be at Old Trafford holding the trophy on 13 October.”

The team was criticised in some quarters for its low-key reaction at the presentation.

And although the Hull players waited and applauded, some fans had left before it was handed over.

Holbrook said: “We did not disrespect the trophy, but for me it is not what people will remember.

“It is all about winning the Grand Final - the Shield is a great thing to win along the way, but the season has not finished. This is how the system works.”