St Helens’ record-breaking grip on the Super League title has felt more under threat this year than in any of the previous four, each of which has ended with them lifting the trophy.
But with a fortnight of this captivating season to go, Saints are in position to strike once again and make it five in a row. They will have to do it the tough way next Friday, with a trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons, but few would back against them.
They edged an attritional but fascinating playoff eliminator here to end Warrington’s season. James Roby’s final home game – and the 550th overall – of his career ended the way most of the spectators would have wanted, with a victory that means he is one win away from bowing out in a Grand Final at Old Trafford.
“He’s such a leader,” Paul Wellens said of Saints’ record appearance holder. “When he makes his point it’s very well respected. He’s a phenomenal player and a phenomenal person.
“We’ve got an opportunity to achieve something special now. These opportunities don’t come around very often.”
St Helens were much the stronger of the sides in the first half and should have led by more than eight points. Lewis Dodd’s try was added to by two goals from Mark Percival and with the weather taking a turn for the worse at half-time, Saints’ advantage felt a significant one.
Warrington responded well in the second half, however, with Connor Wrench scoring three minutes after the restart and Stefan Ratchford adding two goals.
Suddenly, it was 8-8 and the champions were in a very real fight to keep their season alive. Unsurprisingly, they held their nerve as they have done so often. Tommy Makinson’s try nudged them ahead before Percival added a penalty with seven minutes to go to create a two-score buffer.
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Warrington started 2023 well, sitting top in April, but their attention will turn to next season when Sam Burgess assumes control. He certainly has a job on his hands and their interim coach, Gary Chambers, said: “There’s enough positive things for him to work with. There was plenty of effort, but we let ourselves down in key areas. You can’t do that in these big games.”
This all-conquering St Helens side, though, are very much on course to create yet more rugby league history.
