1. Friday's game against Castleford - with nothing riding on it - was an understandably low-key affair. These games can happen under any system - but to sign off with a win, play some half decent rugby and come out without any injuries was the main objective and Saints put a tick in all three boxes.

2. Saints will have been pleased to come out of the game with a clean sheet. Although Cas coach claimed Cas "could have played till Wednesday and still not scored" it still says plenty about the team's attitude top defence. It would have been easy to clock off, particularly as the game became loose.

Now that aspect of the game goes up a serious amount of notches.

Anyone who saw Sydney Roosters' NRL Grand final win over Melbourne Storm on Sunday will have been struck by how important that aggressive defence is to winning the big matches.

Saints have some very classy backs, but the key to all will be that defensive getting off the line quickly.

3. It had been a big week for Ben Barba, who on Monday had given an emotional speech about his departure and return to the NRL.

On Friday he showed that he has not packed his bags - mentally or otherwise - just yet.

Just like the week before at Warrington, Barba looked interested and up for it.

He was rewarded with another brace, the first a long-range beauty after backing up a run from Regan Grace.

The second was just a typical dance, step and wriggle try from nothing.

It was pleasing to hear him get an ovation when he was withdrawn late in the game.

Now we know for sure he is going, let's just sit back and appreciate his talents. Hopefully he will follow in the footsteps of Mal Meninga and Jamie Lyon and sign off with a final trophy.

4. Once again the energy and aggression provided by young forwards Matty Lees and Jack Ashworth gave the team something in the middle. Bigger tests of their mettle will come in the next two weeks, but they have been strong in this learning part of their career.

It does leave coach Justin Holbrook with a monumental selection headache and two players who by rights would expect a jersey for the semi will miss out.

Given how key the forward battle is, and the likelihood that he'll want James Roby on for the full 80, does he go with four forwards on the bench.

Or is Theo Fages' ability to offer something a little bit different in breaking up a game against tired defences make him a valuable asset.

Either way it is a huge call - but how much a better position is that than in times past when at this stage of the season they have been scrambling for players given the injury situation.

5. Friday night saw Jon Wilkin presented with his number 12 jersey at half time. This week will be the last time he will run out on home turf in the red vee.

Signed at the end of 2002, Wilkin has been here through tumultuous times and has done plenty in that time - winning four Challenge Cups, a World Club Challenge, a Super League Grand Final and playing for Great Britain.

He missed the 2014 Grand Final success after having shoulder surgery, so that will have made his career post 2008 a tough one.

His versatility has been his strength - and he has in the past decade had to put his his hand up and play in the halves to plug a problem spot due to injury. That was definitely at some cost to his own game as a back row.

He has worked well in tandem this year with Morgan Knowles, giving quality minutes. So it would be fitting if Wilkin could sign off his career here with what would be his own personal first final win since Wembley 2008.

6. And so to Warrington on Thursday. Given the last game between the sides had nothing riding on it and it blew up in the first half, it may be a case of lighting the touchpaper and see what happens.

Saints need to be aggressive and stand their ground against a seasoned Wolves pack, but they also need to keep their heads.

It is not a duel between James Roby and Daryl Clark; the dummy half with the best performing pack will call the shots. If that is Saints then they have the classy backs to do the business.

But 1-17 they will have to do it.