St Helens defeat Catalans Dragons to win third successive Super League title

The annual Super League Grand Final returned to Old Trafford as the League Leader Shield winners Catalans Dragons took on the reigning Super League Champions St Helens.

The two sides had previously met three times during the regular season with the Dragons picking up two victories. The first meeting saw Catalans victorious in Perpignan but the second saw the Saints take the two points at the Totally Wicked Stadium. The third encounter was arguably one of the most memorable games in Super League history as it took place at St James’ Park at Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

St Helens went into this game as the favourites having won the last two Super League titles and this being the Dragons’ first-ever appearance in the Super League Grand Final.

The opening 15 minutes lived up to everyone’s expectations. Stubborn defending from the Dragons, an excellent try from Kevin Naiqama for the Saints and a bust-up between the two sides to add to the already electric atmosphere.

James Maloney gave the Dragons an early lead from the boot after the Saints were penalised for offside. However, St Helens hit back within minutes. After going close in the opening minutes, Naiqama found his way over the try line to score.

The Saints’ Lachlan Coote and the Dragons’ Maloney each added two points from the boot as St Helens held a slim 6-4 lead at the half-time interval.

A superb opening 15 minutes from Catalans, and Josh Drinkwater, in particular, saw the Dragons dominate the opening period of the second half.

Drinkwater’s brilliant crossfield kick found Fouad Yaha in the corner but he was tackled high by Tomy Makinson which saw the Saints winger receive the first-ever yellow card in a Grand Final. Drinkwater then kicked a 40/20 to bring his side downfield and he capped off a brilliant opening to the second half by finding Tom Davies who tapped the ball back to Mike McMeeken as the French side took the lead.

However, the Saints responded superbly. Jonny Lomax’s neat kick into the in-goal found Naiqama who was able to pick up the loose ball and score his second try of the game. Coote added the conversion which ultimately proved to be the difference between the best two sides in Super League this season.

When it comes to the big games, this St Helens side just knows how to come away with the victory. In parts, they had to dig deep defensively, but as they have done all season long, their defence soaked up the pressure and stood firm. After all the pressure on their own line, they showed why they have now won the last three Super League titles with a bit of class in attack with Kevin Naiqama scoring the winning try.

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