TWO-time Man of Steel and former Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe brings his latest column, courtesy of Super League title sponsors Betfred.

I’M sure I’m not the only one sick of reading and hearing about Ben Barba’s future.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus has made it absolutely clear there have been no discussions about the 29-year-old star’s future.

And that’s how it should end with Barba left to get on with doing what he does best – helping St Helens to glory on all fronts with no distractions.

Back Down Under, Cronulla are reported to be showing the strongest interest in persuading him to make a return to the club he won a Premiership.

His brilliant form for the runaway Betfred Super League favourites has generated much NRL interest which should be no surprise to anyone.

Best thing for Benny is to secure the Man of Steel Award – which there are no more bets available with the League title sponsors – and see if he can help Saints to Challenge Cup and Grand Final glory.

That’s not to mention the Shield that’s in the bag after the 36-6 hammering of Widnes Vikings which has left us six points clear with three games to go.

Next up for Saints is a trip across the M62 to Hull FC, who have probably already done enough to ensure they are in the Super 8s despite that shock 29-18 defeat at Huddersfield.

I’m predicting another win for Saints who against Widnes proved they have strength in depth and can still do the business without Barba and England winger Tommy Makinson, with Jonny Lomax reverting to full-back and Adam Swift coming in on the wing.

It will be a tough game in Humberside but I’m going for a ten-point win for us (7/4 at Betfred) Meanwhile congratulations to Toronto Wolfpack who secured the Betfred Championship with a convincing 68-4 triumph over Sheffield Eagles.

It will be interesting to see how big that gap is from the bottom of Super League to the top of Championship.

We saw in spells that the Canadian side could mix in with Super League opposition in their Challenge Cup tie at Warrington, before a complete lack of discipline cost them dearly.

I’ll look forward to seeing how they compete against the likes of Widnes, Hull KR, Salford....and possibly Leeds!