Saints Go In Search Of History-Making Victory

Will history be made at Old Trafford on Saturday evening? That’s the question on everyone’s lips in rugby league circles, as Super League Giants St Helens go in search of a fourth consecutive Grand Final title.

A victory at the Theatre of Dreams, which has become something of a second home to the Saints, will cap off an incredible season for the club and give head coach Kristian Woolf the perfect send off before his return to Australia.

However, standing in their way are the Leeds Rhinos, a club rightly regarded as a behemoth in the Super League, having won the Grand Final eight occasions - the same as St Helens.

Leeds, who are coached by Rohan Smith, last featured in the final five years ago. On that occasion the Rhinos stormed to a 24-6 victory over the Castleford Tigers in front of 72,827 fans.

Having been deprived of a Grand Final appearance for such a long time, the club, which lost its showdowns against the Wigan Warriors in 1998 and the Bradford Bulls in 2005, will be hoping to revive its status as a Super League powerhouse.

Leeds will also be looking to follow in the footsteps of their female counterparts, who were crowned Super League Grand Final champions last Saturday with victory over the York City Knights.

Saturday’s fixture has the hallmarks of an absolute classic, with both sides boasting quality players across the pitch.

Eyes will be firmly fixed on St Helens’ Jack Welsby, as the 21-year-old has played a pivotal role in the Saints’ success this season.

The dynamic stand-off, who also featured in last season’s Grand Final victory, found his efforts rewarded with a prestigious trophy on Tuesday evening. The Youngster, who has escaped a ban following a collision with Salford’s Chris Atkin in the semi-final on Saturday,  retained his Young Player of the Year trophy at the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel awards. 

Leeds supporters will also be paying close attention to long-serving winger Tom Briscoe, who brings his nine-year stint at Headingley to a close on Saturday. The 32-year-old, who has been plagued by injury this season, will make his final bow at the Theatre of Dreams before a reported move to Leigh Centurions.  

The stage is set, excitement is building and supporters could witness something truly special come 8pm on Saturday.

The game kicks-off at 6pm, with former BBC Radio presenter Shaun Keaveny providing the pre-match entertainment in the form of a DJ set.

You can watch the action live on Sky Sports. 

As part of our ongoing relationship with Betfred, we have five pairs of tickets to giveaway for Saturday’s final. Further details can be found on our website.