1. 12-0 after four minutes it looked like Saints were going post the 80 points needed to send Leeds to the foot of the table.

It never turned out like that - and although Saints were always in control and in patches scored some quality tries, the second half saw some uncharacteristic errors stemming from the way they opted to play.

In a way Saints needed to be a bit more methodical, maybe even duller, with their approach instead of trying to score off every play.

Both sides were guilty of handling errors, which meant the game did go off the boil in spells.

But it is always a good sign when a team gets the game won so comprehensively, despite being off the mark.

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2. There were a number of bright moments in the match - but Tommy Makinson's special finish was again worth the admission money.

Years ago there was a famous black and white photograph of Len Killeen touching down at the corner flag with his feet pointing in the air.

But Makinson over the years seems to have provided a full album of such finishes.

Crowd-pleasing players like the international Golden Boot can really help sell our game to a wider audience - he is pure box office.

Fingers crossed Makinson (and Grace, Coote et al) can get the chance to show their skills on the biggest stages this year and on terrestrial TV.

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3. It was a big blow losing Zeb Taia and scans will reveal the full extent of the damage to his shoulder.

The veteran second has been in fine form this season - and he has taken that up to another level at Magic and in the cup game against Wakefield.

But you could see straight away the agony he was in after popping his shoulder out under the weight of the tackle. Saints do have depth to cover the injury - but it would be disappointing for the team - but especially player - if he were to miss Wembley should Saints get there.

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4. Friday's game showed how the mighty have fallen.

It is not long the Rhinos were dominating the comp, but now they face a real threat of being relegated.

When it came to banter Saints fans sang "Going down, going down" while the travelling fans' riposte was a song about event from a previous decade.

But looking down the Rhinos teamsheet they seem worse than the sum of their parts - given the calibre of players they have - and they don't look the fittest of sides.

But for the time being we will all revel in the discomfort of the side that has won the Super League Grand Final eight times being threatened by relegation.

5. There was an irritating drone above the stadium for a spell on Friday....and from the South Stand we could not see where that was coming from.

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It was later pointed out that it was our noisy neighbours living up to their reputation.

Saints did have their own inimitable way way of responding - but it is what happens on the field in Warrington this Friday that matters.

6. Saints Women produced a top quality display to ease past Wigan to reach the Challenge Cup semi-final.

It is clear there is growing support from the women's team - with 500 there on Sunday ­— and plenty have subsequently been impressed when viewing the highlightsSt Helens Star: of the tries.

 

It would be fantastic if they can get past holders Leeds in the semi-final on July 7 and join the men's team at Bolton for the cup triple header.