SAINTS are 80 tough minutes under the Old Trafford floodlights away from making history.

If Kristian Woolf’s crop of 2021 topple League Leaders Catalans Dragons at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday night it will be the first time ever that the club has won the title three years in a row.

A look at the calibre of teams wearing the red vee - or indeed red band - who have not managed this over the decades gives an indication of what a huge achievement the three-peat would be.

Whatever happens, the team and club keeps the town on the map - but the heartbeat of that are the fans and the people of St Helens.

Coach Kristian Woolf recognises the symbiotic relationship between the townsfolk and team.

St Helens Star:

Woolf said: “We really appreciate the support we get from the town and the connection we have with it as well.

“That is something that is really special about this club and St Helens.

“Now much of the Covid restrictions are out of the way, it is really easy to feel that connection and that support.

“After Wembley, the drive on the bus around town certainly saw it sink home what this team means to the town.

“We are really appreciative of that and certainly hope that as many as possible can get there to support us and add to the atmosphere.

“That support is so important when it is a close, tight game which we expect it to be, to help drive our players home.

“It is something we would love to do for the town and bring a little bit more joy back here.”

In his second year in charge, Woolf has already overseen a Grand Final win and a first Wembley success since 2008.

He praised the “special” players, a blend of experience and youth, homegrown and from overseas, who have contributed to three glorious years that have kept the trophy cabinet well-stocked.

“We are very lucky here in the group of men that we have got are a special group who have been able to achieve special things because of that.”

“They are a group this town are and can be really proud of,” Woolf said.