Yes the focus was on Leigh Leopards and Hull KR at Wembley over the weekend in the Challenge Cup Final but there was also a Super League game as Huddersfield Giants headed over to St Helens as they battle with Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Salford Red Devils for a spot in the top six.
However, it was a game christened with controversy as Matty English was sin binned after 18 minutes for a cannon ball tackle.
Then as he came back on and Joe Greenwood came off the bench, Greenwood was sent off for running in leading with the elbow.
Both these incidents sparked scuffles between the two teams which was captured in the below image showing just how much tempers flared.
St Helens v Huddersfield Giants Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com – 13/08/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – St Helens v Huddersfield Giants – The Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, England – Huddersfield Giants Joe Greenwood ids sent off after clashing with St Helens Mark Percival St Helens England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxPaulxCurrie/SWpix.comx SWP-2256-0022
As for the game itself, Tommy Makinson took four minutes to open the scoring as he fended off Jake Connor to score in the corner.
By the 10th minute, Saints led 10-0 and it was again Tommy Makinson this time Jack Welsby teed up the winger in the corner to make it 10-0 with Mark Percival converting again to make it 12-0.
In the 18th minute things got worse for Huddersfield when Matty English was sin binned for a cannon ball tackle which started a small scuffle.
Then in the 22nd minute Mark Percival nailed a penalty to make it 14-0.
Then the crucial moment as Joe Greenwood was sent off for leading with the elbow just minutes after coming onto the field sparking another scuffle.
Matty English made amends for the yellow card with a try crossing from a kick taken by Sam Halsall that made it 14-6.
But just before the break Saints restored their lead with Welsby beating defenders and teeing up Makinson for his hat-trick. Percival missed the shot at goal and it was 18-6 but straight after halftime Percival nailed a penalty to make it 20-6.
Huddersfield gave themselves hope however just after the hour mark when Jake Connor fed the ball wide to Ash Golding who finished in the corner to make it 20-10 with Olly Russell again converting to make it 20-12.
It was game well and truly on as former Saint Kevin Naiqama haunted his former side as Tui Lolohea sent him through a gap to make it 20-18.
However, the game was sealed by Saints when Lewis Dodd scoring after his high bomb was grubbered ahead and grounded by Dodd.
To make matters worse, Jack Welsby scored at the death.
Rugby League on TV
How to watch Rugby League on TV this week as BBC show four epic fixtures
