Last week we saw some great games such as a golden point thriller between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, a fast paced affair between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves and we saw Leigh Leopards claim a vital win over Salford Red Devils in an absolute nail biter.
However, the game of the round was the clash between St Helens and Catalans Dragons.
The Saints went into the game third with Catalans Dragons topping the table setting up the game as a clash between the league leaders and the Super League and World Champions.
In the end Catalans edged a thrilling contest absorbing waves of St Helens pressure to claim a famous win that propelled them towards the League Leaders’ Shield.
After the game Paul Wellens had his say on the game likening it to a Grand Final:
“I am really proud of my team’s effort. I think it was a red hot game between two teams who there is obviously not a lot between them.
“Obviously a 14-12 scoreline, it was the same scoreline in the Grand Final a couple of years ago which shows that there isn’t a lot between the teams.
“My initial reaction is extremely proud of my players’ efforts.
“But there are more games to play and more opportunities to pick up points further down the track.
“Look, we’re never happy when we lose a game. That is the standards we set ourselves, so naturally we are disappointed.
“But we are not disappointed that we went down and we went down fighting and fighting our way.”
The notion that it was like a Grand Final or a semi-final was a widely agreed upon narrative.
Steve McNamara also likened it to a semi-final whilst many suggested it was a Grand Final dress rehearsal including Jon Wells on Sky Sports.
The likes of Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, Warrington Wolves and the play-off chasers Salford, Leeds, Hull KR and Hull FC could all have something to say about that fact.
But for now Saints and Catalans look like the teams we may see at Old Trafford just like in 2021 when St Helens defeated the French side 14-12.
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