FIRSTLY, a huge congratulations to all the players and staff on winning the Betfred Super League Leaders Shield.

This was richly deserved, as Saints have clearly been the best team all season, and a lot of credit must go to the gaffer Justin Holbrook.

In his debut season at the club, Justin has brought that belief and guidance back to where we belong- picking up silverware!

With the shield confirmed after a convincing 38-12 win over the hapless Hull FC last Friday, Justin told the players to go and celebrate their achievements.

I agree, I think with the big prize still up for grabs, the shield doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

This is won by the most consistent team over 20-odd rounds so it takes some winning.

This is the sixth time Saints have finished the regular season in top spot.

However, now the business end of the season starts.

With two games remaining in the Super 8s before that all important home semi final against Warrington, Justin has two weeks to rotate his squad so his best 17 are firing on all cylinders come that game....and with one of them games being a semi final rehearsal this Saturday at the Halliwell Jones stadium it’s a great opportunity for those playing to make a statement.

One of the big successes of this year has to be the introduction and performances of some of the new blood, players like Jack Ashworth, Aaron Smith, Matty Lees and Matt Costello, and I’m sure these guys will feature heavily in the next couple of weeks and put their hands up for a shirt in that huge do or die game vs Wire.

Alongside the likes of Percival, Grace, Makinson and Richardson the future certainly looks bright.

With the other semi final between Wigan and Castleford, I would love to see a repeat of that 2014 Grand Final and the greatest rugby league rivalry battled out on the biggest stage come October 13.

With both Saints and Wigan joint favourites at 13/8 with Betfred to claim glory at Old Trafford, with Castleford 9/2 and Warrington 11/2 outsiders, I’m going for a Saints-Wigan showdown in Manchester.

Finally, it has been a pivotal week for the game with the announcement of the new format, choosing to drop the Super and Qualifying 8s in favour of the old one up one down, and the top 5 play offs.

I’m happy with this, but whatever individual thoughts we must all now buy into this and work together on growing our great game.

Other changes including the must-happen reintroduction of reserve grade are set to be announced in the near future.

I’m with our Chairman Eamonn McManus, increasing the value and promotion of Super League as a priority, and improving the pinnacle of our sport can only help the participation and interest at all levels.

Let’s work together…