There is no doubting that St Helens are currently the standard setters in Super League.
On the announcement of the World Club Challenge, their opponents Penrith Panthers’ Chief Executive Officer Matt Cameron described them as “the benchmark.”
They’ve won the last four Super League Grand Finals, three of the last five League Leaders’ Shields and a Challenge Cup.
They also have one of the best academies around summed up by the stars that come into the side to replace those who go down with injuries.
One of the players who has had to come up against this all-conquering St Helens side, former Leeds Rhinos skipper Luke Gale has spoken about why St Helens are ahead of the rest.
Speaking on the Full 80 Minutes Podcast, Gale explained what makes them so good: “We talk about Saints, I don’t mind talking about Saints because they set the bar, in every department they set the bar.
“They’re the best off the field, they’re the best team and they’ve got the bests staff.
“We see it every year, how do Saints manage to keep all those players on the pitch. The good thing for them, someone comes out, a young player comes in.
“They’ve got the best system.”
Gale is still looking for a club for 2023 and if he stays in Super League if will be out to try and cause St Helens trouble as all other 11 clubs look to finally dethrone the Saints.