FRIDAY saw the home fans say their goodbyes to three departing Saints - playing what, barring a win at Leigh this weekend, will be their last home game in the red vee.

The non-playing Sam Royle joined Tommy Makinson, Sione Mata'utia and Lewis Dodd in being cheered down the players' tunnel after a lap of honour.

(Image: Bernard Platt)

There was a special reception for winger Makinson, who will join Catalans Dragons at the end of this season - his 14th at the club.

Makinson signed off with a trademark try - with a one-handed finish - in front of the West Stand.

(Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt)

That was his 204th for the club - touchdowns that have made him a hugely popular character.

Also in the points was Sione Mata'utia - who, in shades of Paul Anderson in 2006, slotted a late conversion, although admittedly from much closer than that legendary touchline goal from 18 years ago. 

(Image: Bernard Platt)

The fans paid tribute to all of the departing Saints - but there was a special presentation for the long-serving Makinson. 

Coach Paul Wellens said: "It was great that we got to recognise Tommy's contribution to this club over the years, along with Sione, along with Lewis Dodd.

(Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt)

"If we do get the opportunity to come back here in a couple of weeks, the night will be purely around performing winning getting into the next round of the playoffs, we don't have time to do all the stuff that we saw here on Friday and what we saw here was lovely.

"They're all three brilliant players, three brilliant people who we're gonna miss.

(Image: Bernard Platt)

"You saw how much affection the fans have for those departing players and we know behind closed doors how much we love and respect them and the sacrifice they've made to help this club be successful in recent years.

"But it's great to see the fans appreciate that too."

(Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt) (Image: Bernard Platt)