OK, the result on Monday was important, but nothing like as significant as seeing all the fans back in force to Betfred Super League stadiums.

Four thousand of the Saints faithful made their way back to the Totally Wicked Stadium for the first time in 14 months, as the boys put in a clinical, professional performance to see off the Salford Red Devils by 28-0, thus maintaining their 100% winning record for 2021.

Only an Alex Walmsley barge over separated the sides at half time. However, Saints came out of the blocks three minutes into the second half with Theo Fages finishing a move he started, as the champions began their second half domination. Three further tries were added along with eight points from the boot of Lachlan Coote. I’m sure the most pleasing part for coach Kristian Woolf was Salford’s big fat zero!

This now sets up a tasty clash with the Catalan Dragons over in the South of France, who themselves had an impressive 27-10 win against Hull FC at the KC Stadium. The third placed Dragons have an abundance of talent in their ranks, albeit very inconsistent as a team ...but with the likes of Maloney, Tomkins and young Arthur Mourgue Saints must be focused and ready for a tough day in the office.

The return of limited-fans was certainly a step in the right direction towards a post-covid world...but there are some big decisions to be made soon about the Rugby League World Cup 2021 which will be UK hosted, starting at the end of October...hopefully!

Obviously with my England hat on I am desperate to see the tournament go ahead, but it has got to be in front of full stadiums of fans. Nobody wants to see the biggest competition in rugby league, with the best players decided in empty or half filled venues.

RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton has said a decision will be made at the beginning of June. One of the major issues is obviously overseas travel and quarantine. As it currently stands, both Australia and New Zealand players just to name two countries would have to complete two weeks quarantine on their return home. This could prove an issue with the NRL clubs and their preparation for the 2022 season. If the RLWC does go ahead, we want to see a full blown affair with teams at full strength playing in full houses. This could be the most fiercely competitive World Cup ever. Fingers crossed!

Back to Saints and the Betfred Super League, we were boosted by some positive news on the injury front during the week. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook who picked up a head knock in the win over Huddersfield was given the all clear...and even helped himself to a try in Monday’s win. Also, good news that England winger Tommy Makinson doesn’t require surgery for his persistent niggling foot injury. Tommy obviously didn’t play against the Red Devils but will hopefully be back very soon.

So, the trip to France! It will no doubt be a tough game…but I’m going for a Saints win by 8 points or more (evens at Betfred)

Finally, I’d just like to wish former Saint and fellow Oldhamer Kyle Eastmond all the best in his next chapter as he announced his retirement from professional rugby this week.