SAINTS full back Ben Barba says the hurt of losing the Challenge Cup semi-final sent the team on a massive learning curve.

And they are lessons they will hopefully carry into tonight’s Super League semi-final against Warrington.

Barba is seeking to join that elite band of players who have won Grand Final rings in both hemispheres.

He said: “I can’t wait for it. This is what we have worked hard for – to out ourselves in a position to play in a semi-final.

“It is not going to be an easy game. We have played them three times and won them all, but in semi-final football that all goes out of the window.

“It comes down to who wants it more on the day.

“Two weeks ago we played them and they lost key players early and we know that that is not going to be the side that rolls out on Thursday.”

After suffering one last-four knockout already, Barba says there will be no complacency this time.

“The cup defeat hurt for a bit and you saw that when we got beat the following week,” Barba said.

“We struggled with that after how well we had been travelling. The last couple of months have been a learning curve for us.

“We know now that we cannot simply waltz up and expect everything to go our way.

“In a way, although we would have liked to have played at Wembley, it has helped us us and put us in good stead and a good head space to where we are now.

“And that is exciting.”

Saints take on a Warrington side, who they have beaten three times already this year.

A team bossed by a coach Barba has worked with back at Cronulla in the NRL.

"Pricey was my backs coach at the Sharks – hopefully he did not learn too much from working together over there.

"Over here we have sat down and had a chat after the games.

"He is a class person – a bit like Justin. And they are best friends and bounce off each other," Barba said.