Well, looking at the season as a whole it’s been probably the most competitive Betfred Super League competition to date.
I'm certainly not saying it has been one of the best in regards to quality of performances but those inconsistencies from all teams have probably aided such an exciting, tense finish to the season…and it’s far from over yet!
Unfortunately though, it is for St Helens after going down to Warrington for the fourth time this season in the elimination play-off on Saturday.
I mentioned quality throughout the season, however this week both teams produced probably the ‘game of the season’.
It was clear both teams knew this was knockout football, and the game had the intensity that reflected that.
The game didn’t start well for the Saints, as an uncharacteristic error from the kick off by Tommy Makinson gave Warrington an early attack on the Saints line. From the resulting scrum Toby King strolled in with visitors' right edge looking short of numbers.
Things looked ominous from the off.
However, it was a great response by Saints, and on 11 minutes Tommy Mak made up for his early misdemeanour by a trademark squeeze-in at the corner. Mark Percival converted from the sideline, and we led 6-4.
Percy then crossed the line himself with his no nonsense running style, powering through the Wire defence, which again he duly converted.
On the half hour Tommy then charged onto a short side play from Jack Welsby to barge over and put the Saints 16-4 up and looking in complete control.
However, Warrington had other ideas and just before half time, more diabolical defence on the Saints right edge saw Matty Ashton go over and give the home side a huge lift just before the break. 16-10.
Paul Wellens stuck with Sione Matautai in the right centre after his poor showing at Leigh, and I’m sure something he is regretting, as for the third time in the game he was completely lost and out of position as Toby King crossed for his second try and levelled the scores.
Saints were their own worst enemy in the second half with indiscipline and unforced errors costing them dearly.
Another right side calamity, this time with the ball saw a poor Daryl Clark pass roll past six Saints players, straight into the arms of King who fed Matty Ashton for a walk in try.
It looked like Saints had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
However in true St Helens style, some slick play down the left edge saw Jon Bennison sneak over in the corner. 20-18 and the hooter imminent. Step up Mark Percival!
Percy slotted the touchline kick straight between the posts to take the game to golden point.
More indiscipline by Joe Batchelor gave George Williams the first shot at a drop goal, but it was an outstanding effort by Morgan Knowles to charge this down, and even better that Saints recovered the ball.
Unfortunately, come the end of that set, Jonny Lomax decided to run the ball on the last play, resulting in Mark Percival shanking the kick straight into touch, giving Wire a full set in the opposition 40.
For me, Jonny should have buried that ball deep. One thing you can’t give up in golden point is field position, and unsurprisingly Williams was successful second time of asking - and Saints season came to a heart-breaking end.
There was certainly a lot of positives to be taken from that game, but also a lot of lessons to be learnt going forward.
That now leaves league leaders Wigan at home to their Borough neighbours Leigh, and Warrington now face a tough trip away to Hull KR for a place at the Theatre of Dreams next Saturday.
I’m going to go for a Wigan-Hull KR final, no surprise as they are the most consistent two sides in Betfred Super League. The title sponsors are confident Wigan will retain the trophy, priced at 10/11, with Hull KR 11/4, Wire 100/30 and outsiders Leigh a tempting 11/1.
Back to Saints, I know speaking to Wello this week the rebuild has already begun.
Sione, Lewis Dodd, Sam Royle and a player who will always be regarded as a Saints legend, Tommy Makinson have all played their final game for the club, and I wish them all the best of success in their next chapter.
As for incoming, there is certainly some exciting strike players onboard for 2025.
Kyle Feldt, Tristan Sailor and Lewis Murphy so far…and no doubt some positional headaches to be had for Wello and his new assistant, my old mate Lee Briers who joins the club from the Brisbane Broncos.
It’s going to be a tough watch these next two weeks for the Saints fans, unfamiliar to not being involved at this stage.
But, keep the faith and look forward to a new-look, rejuvenated team come the start of next season.
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