SAINTS’ top of the table clash with Catalans Dragons has all the ingredients for a classic – and it could decide the destiny of this year’s League Leaders Shield.

The leaders Catalans are in the driving seat with a 90 per cent win rate with just two losses from the 20 games they have played.

Saints are second on 83.33 per cent, having won 15 of the 18 games they have played, but they would need to win at Magic and hope for a Catalans slip in the closing weeks to leapfrog them.

But the destiny of the shield is just one aspect of this set-piece game in the middle of day one of Super League’s festival of rugby on the Tyne.

And after three wins on the spin, including victories over rivals and neighbours Wigan and Warrington, Saints head to St James’ Park with a spring in their steps.

Coach Kristian Woolf said: “It is a great occasion for all to look forward to “Last week’s game against Warrington was a really high quality, semi-finals type game and I expect the same this weekend.

“Both teams do still have an opportunity for League Leaders and that is important.”

Dragons are one of only three teams to have lowered Saints’ colours this season, but they did overcome a depleted French side at the TWS last month.

This game will settle the unofficial league series between the sides, but Woolf believes the teams will meet again in the finals.

“Catalans have been very consistent and deserve to be sitting where they do.

“We know that they are going to present a challenge and that is one we are really looking forward to, 1 v 2 in front of a big crowd and an amazing atmosphere.

“What we want leading into finals is big games and challenges, games that are going to be played at semi-final intensity and that is what we have got at the weekend.

“Both teams are more than likely to come across each other at some stage in finals, that makes the whole challenge exciting too,” he said.

With Magic cancelled last year, this is Woolf’s first experience of the event in the UK – but he did experience it in Australia when the NRL copied the concept.

The Saints boss is relishing the big occasion in front of the fans.

“I have watched it from afar and always thought it was a great concept. I had the opportunity to be a part of it in the first year when they copied it in Brisbane.

“To have all the players and staff there – with that little bit of carnival type atmosphere and ability to catch up with people you don’t always see.

“It is great for the fans to support rugby league in general,” Woolf said.