WELL I wasn’t far off with my predictions of Saints to kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season with a 30 point win against the newly promoted London Broncos, and Jack Welsby to score the opening try.

Well, it’s was a 36 point margin and Jack got the second with Lewis Dodd beating him to the opener after great work from James Bell.

It was a convincing, albeit expected, win against the favourites to finish bottom of the pile in Betfred Super League.

There was definitely a lot to be positive about with the performance, especially those of the debutants.

Head coach Paul Wellens was relatively happy with the first 80 minutes of the season, against a pretty much unknown opposition.

However he did bemoan about temporary drops in standards at times, probably down to over playing following a blistering start.

One thing I did speak about last week was London's expected attitude and endeavour against their superior opponents…and you certainly can’t fault their efforts.

However, for them unfortunately that isn’t enough and it could be a long season.

I mentioned some outstanding performances from the new boys, especially Man of the Match Darryl Clark and two try hero Matt Whitley.

Clark, was always going to be scrutinised in his performance after taking the number 9 shirt of the irreplaceable James Roby.

However, clearly not something that bothered him as he kicked his Saints career off with a stellar display.

I’ve been a fan of Clarky for a long time, and knowing his capabilities thought at times he didn’t do himself justice at Warrington over the last few years.

However I though he was an extremely shrewd signing by Wello…a vastly experienced international, who suits the way Saints play and is now in a winning environment - and clearly thriving.

A lot has been said about filling the boots of Roby, however I think he can bring his own strengths to improve the team.

His pace out of dummy half is exceptional, something he showed on Friday night, and we will see much more of this season on the back of a strong Saints pack.

Matt Whitley came up with everything I expected of him. Continuously showing up in both attack and defence.

One thing I love about Matt is his effort based contributions…his willingness to push for others on attack, which resulted in scoring two tries on debut.

I think these two players in particular definitely make this year's Saints a stronger proposition.

Talking about the rest of the Betfred Super League, I joked last week about Castleford upsetting Wigan on the opening BBC live game of the season.

I don’t think anyone thought that would happen, and as expected the current champions demolished the home team.

There has certainly been some talking points in the opening round. A one-sided Hull derby which saw the Robins nil their city rivals.

Catalan spoilt Sam Burgess’s big return to Betfred Super League with defeat for Warrington in France, and none more so than the newly introduced clamp down on head contacts which saw four red cards and numerous yellows.

Up next for Saints is a trip to Huddersfield to face the Giants, who themselves opened up with an impressive away win over the fancied Leigh Leopards.

The Giants were massive under achievers in 2023 missing out on the play-offs despite numerous big money signings.

However, again with big changes in personnel, Ian Watson will be looking for far more consistency if they are to challenge for silverware this season.

I still think if both teams perform to their ability, Saints will have too much, and going off the back of a strong round one showing I’ll back Saints to win by 12 points or more (evens with Betfred).

Finally, it’s another big week for the Betfred Super League as the Wigan Warriors take on 3-time consecutive NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium this Saturday.

They aim to do what Saints did against all odds last season…in Australia may I add, and beat Clearly, Yeo and Co to be crowned Champions of the World.

I for one will be forgetting about club loyalties for 80 minutes and backing the Brits against our arch enemies in RL.

We need every positive we can to further enhance our great game in the UK and surely another historic win for the home side will help achieve that.