Barrie McDermott backs this side to push for the Super League title

No one expected St Helens to reach this stage of the season with only 5 wins but that is the case.

The Super League Champions started the season with a historic win the World Club Challenge down under as they defeated Penrith Panthers 13-12.

To some a fifth Super League title in a row looked inevitable but they have lost half their games including three of their last four games.

But Sky Sports’ Barrie McDermott cautioned against writing them off:

“The Super League Champions St Helens have a lot to work on. I have no doubt in my mind they’ll make the play-offs and I have no doubt in my mind they will be a genuine contender in the play-offs.

“Any Super League campaign, the team that wins the Grand Final, it is about timing, it’s about getting it right at the right time.”

Meanwhile, McDermott also tipped Catalans to be a contender as they ended a losing run on Friday night with a 24-12 win over St Helens:

“Nobody can count out the Dragons. The Dragons at home, especially at home but when they are playing like this have the ability to beat anybody.”