Rugby league immortality is now tantalisingly within reach for St Helens. Never before in the Super League era has a team won four consecutive league titles; in the entire history of the sport, dating all the way back to 1895, it has been achieved only once. There have been occasions this year when one has wondered if the all-conquering Saints would have to settle for three in a row.
But next Saturday at Old Trafford, St Helens will aim to assert their grip on a trophy that they have held for more than 1,000 days. They were made to work incredibly hard by Salford, who were in pursuit of a first league title since the mid-1970s. But in the end, the expected outcome came to fruition and St Helens did what they always seem to do: find a way to win.
