Opinion: This Super League side WILL win the double

St Helens were stunned by Hull FC over the weekend.

After a strong start, the Black and Whites took the lead against the Champions. A kick from Clifford to the right corner for Hull FC was taken and fed back inside the Clifford who powered over.

After seeing off St Helens pressure, Andre Savelio charged forward off a Saints kick. He would then later in the set charge towards the line. After being held, a short ball allowed skipper Carlos Tuimavave to power over.

Hull then scored a third try after a kick appeared to be running dead with Jack Welsby shepherding the ball however he would be made to pay for taking no action with the ball flicked back in play and grounded by Jake Trueman.

Hull FC get the pressure on the Saints and Chris Satae scored a simple try as he stepped left and burrowed over.

Hull looked to have scored a fifth try before the break as Jamie Shaul carved through and spun the ball wide to Litten. He looked to have produced an acrobatic finish in the corner but the try was denied as he was seen to have dropped the ball.

The Saints gave themselves hope with a lovely try. Konrad Hurrell carved through before a great last play saw Jack Welsby feed James Bell to score.

The Black and Whites then cancelled that out with a try of their own. Clifford continued to pull the strings with a grubber leading to a Cam Scott try.

After Hull spent the second half defending, the Black and Whites crowned the win with a superb try as McIntosh intercepted and raced the length of the field to score.

In an ironic twist of fate, just before this match I published a piece backing St Helens to win the treble.

Thus, it did not age well.

Nonetheless, I still stand by the principles behind this opinion. Though the League Leaders’ Shield may have now slipped out of St Helens’ grasp, their winning edge, experience and the fact they have match winners across the field makes them the standout favourites for both major finals.

We have seen in the past that the Champions don’t have to finish in the top two. Wigan Warriors won the double in 2013 after all.

Also, there appears to be no side that is an absolute standout themselves in the most competitive league for years which could play into Saints’ hands.

For me they will still win the Grand Final and Challenge Cup.