I suppose the embarrassment to the league maybe comes from the so-called big clubs of Warrington and Wigan repeatedly choking when it matters, failing to demonstrate champion qualities despite all the advantages being lined up in their favour?

Surely the biggest chokers in recent history are in-fact St Helens, therefore it would be embarrassing if a champion team, say for example Leeds, lost to them in the play-offs?

Not really, these things happen. It would be great for the game if Saints came through this year after all the play off pain they have endured, a real story of redemption and of persistence. And, as has been noted, they play the game the right way; it'd be a shame for a more cynical team to win it.

I wholeheartedly agree. It would be great for the game if sintellins were to recapture their former glories. A real lesson in perseverance, something everyone could learn from.

It would however, be terrible for the game if a more (as you mention) cynical and robotic team was to win it, not mentioning any names.

St Helens fall from the top over the last year or so co-incided with refs picking up and stopping their '(in) famous forward pass tries'.

The refs spotted them , cracked down on them, and saints started to drop down the league.

This thread is lacking a point...

Leeds were a better side then the 5th placed finishes suggested whereas Saints aren't IMO.

They are having their best run of the season and coming in to form at a decent time but would I back them to do a Leeds and beat Hull FC home, Leeds away then Wire away to make the Grand final and then win it? (just an example of the sort of teams they'd need to face) Not a chance.

They look to be making some decent signings for next season though so I'd expect them to challenge for trophies again then.

Oh how we laughed!!!

Its took Saints nearly all season to adjust to having no half backs, now they have found a way to operate they are hitting form with confidence. Playing Hull, Leeds and Wire to get to a final is no big shakes, Saints had to beat Wigan twice in the play offs a couple of seasons ago to get into the final, no one gave them a chance but they did it.
Our influential players of Soliola and Roby are due back for the play offs, so Saints could be hitting the play offs with strength in both form and players.
As for winning the Grand Final, I don,t think so, history shows you need seasoned half backs to do that.

We have beaten Leeds and Warrington away already this season.

Why can't we do this again?

I'm not saying we will, but to say 'no chance' when we have already done that with this team when we weren't playing as well as we are now...

Let's look at the evidence....they drew 22-22 at home with Hull and won at Leeds (30-22) and Warrington (22-10) earlier this season. They're more than capable, alright.

If we dont do it this year I would prefer saints tbh , that said anyone but Leeds or kr really

Good luck to 'em, they've had injuries all year long and to be honest other than a few anti Nathan Brown comments, have stuck by their team.

Now they're getting players back they're starting to show what they can do, still behind the top 4 at the moment for me, but in a little group of very competitive teams along with Hull, KR, Catalans & Wakey.

Two reasons for me-

1- you will need to do that (or similar) in a row.

2- When it comes to the crunch games they're better sides and your pack won't be able to live with them.

We'll see but I'll be stunned if Saints are holding the trophy aloft at OT come October.

Like Leeds couldn't live with Wigan last season when it came to the crunch? It can happen and has happened.

I'd be stunned too, but you never know