WHAT an achievement!…three Betfred Super League Grand Final triumphs on the bounce from a team who are undoubtedly one of the most successful in the history of the club.

This squad of players have yet again dominated the competition, adding to this the Betfred Challenge Cup title.

We know the quality of Kristian Woolf’s team, but Saturday they showed the grit and resilience of champions.

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As we expected, Saturday was one hell of a final against the League Leaders Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford.

The French side wouldn’t go away despite Saints dominating field position in the opening 40 minutes and scoring the only try of the half through the outstanding Kevin Naiqama.

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Catalan chose to take any points available against a very strong Saints defence, James Maloney opening the scoring with a penalty goal then again opting to take the two despite being 6-2 down after Naiqama’s try taking them to 6-4.

However, that decision nearly paid off as the Dragons asked a lot more questions of the Saints defence in the second half resulting in them taking the lead through a Mike McMeeken try.

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Saints, not used to chasing games stayed composed despite the intensity of the prize at stake and in the 65th minute it was that man again Naiqama who crossed for his second try of the game to pull Saints level and secure himself the Harry Sunderland Man of the Match award.

It was then left to the ice cold Lachlan Coote to slot over the goal and give us a 12-10 lead which they would see out for the remaining 13 minutes - and return us our third title in as many years.

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One thing that did stand out on Saturday evening was the togetherness of this group, something the victorious coach Kristian Woolf spoke about after the game. He spoke of his pride of the special bunch of players.

Massive credit to Kristian for the job he has done, alongside my good mate Paul Wellens and the rest of the back room staff.

It must always be a tough gig for any coach taking over from a title winning boss, namely Justin Holbrook, but I believe Kristian has taken them to another level during his two year reign so far…and I see absolutely no reason we won’t be celebrating title number FOUR this time next year!

 

The game was a true final, an arm wrestle, a war of attrition…not a game of flair and expansive rugby.

St Helens Star: Some other outstanding performers were the ever-competitive Morgan Knowles, Joe Bachelor and the glue that holds everything together skipper James Roby.

Add to this the young guns Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd who continue their development at the highest level and you can see why more silverware in just around the corner.

It was also a fitting tribute to several players leaving the club.

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Coote, who has been an integral part of the three titles will join Hull KR and the irrepressible Naiqama, who is returning to Australia.

Joel Thompson, James Bentley have also played their last game for the club. There are however some exciting new signings for the 2022 season…and no doubts we will be the team to beat.

This is something title sponsors Betfred agree with. Saints are 5/2 favourites to again retain their crown, ahead of Wire at 4/1 and Catalans at 5/1.

Wigan Warriors under their new management regime are available at 6/1 while Betfred Super League new boys Toulouse are the big outsiders at 100/1 to win next season’s Grand Final.

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Finally, Saints really are dominating the Super League at the moment..but not just the men’s game! Big congratulations to the Saints Women who themselves completed the 2021 treble after a 28-0 demolition of the Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final at Headingley on Sunday.