THE mere mention of Saints versus Leeds Rhinos under the floodlights at Old Trafford is enough to bring supporters, scarred by the events of 2007-11, out in a cold sweat.

Only James Roby, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook remain from those days – and plenty of silverware has crossed over the Saints threshold since those days of torment.

Although history will not impact on the 34 players taking the field at 6pm on Saturday night, Saints do owe Leeds one in a big final.

In the last 50 years, since Kel Coslett skippered Saints to a 16-13 Challenge Cup Final win at Wembley, Leeds have won all of the big (Championship/Super League/Challenge Cup) finals between the sides.

That started a week after that Wembley victory with the Loiners pipping Saints 9-5 at Swinton.

The next 50 years have seen blue and amber ribbons on the Challenge Cup (1978), and four Super League Titles (2007, 08, 09 and 11).

Leeds also beat the then League Champion Saints in the first ever Premiership Final at Wigan in 1975 The only time Saints have bested Leeds in a final was the 1988 John Player Trophy win at a muddy Central Park, with Paul Loughlin’s 14 points and a drop goal from Neil Holding seeing them lift this knockout cup for the first and only time.

Previous Final meetings.

(Leeds won 8, St Helens won 3).

Super League Grand Final.

2011 Leeds 32, St Helens 16 (at Old Trafford).

2009 Leeds 18, St Helens 10 (at Old Trafford).

2008 Leeds 24, St Helens 16 (at Old Trafford).

2007 Leeds 33, St Helens 6 (at Old Trafford).

John Player Special Trophy Final.

1987-88 Leeds 14, St Helens 15 (at Central Park, Wigan).

Challenge Cup Final.

1977-78  Leeds 14, St Helens 12 (at Wembley Stadium).

1971-72 Leeds 13, St Helens 16 (at Wembley Stadium).

Premiership Final.

1974-75 Leeds 26, St Helens 11 (at Central Park, Wigan).

Championship Final.

1971-72 Leeds 9, St Helens 5 (at Station Road, Swinton).

1969-70 Leeds 12, St Helens 24 (at Odsal Stadium, Bradford).

BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final.

1970-71 Leeds 9, St Helens 5 (at Headingley).

Saints will extend their own record of most Super League Grand Final appearances to 14 on Saturday night.

Whichever side emerges from the title decider victorious will set a new record for most Grand Final wins.

Both Saints and rivals Leeds have previously lifted the Super League trophy on eight occasions following Grand Final triumphs.

With victory, Saints would become the first club to win four Super League Grand Finals in a row. They currently share the record of three successive victories with Saturday's opponents Leeds Rhinos (2007, 2008, 2009 - all against the Saints).

If Saints lose they would equal the unwanted record of six losses in the Super League showpiece, currently held by Wigan Warriors.