I AM scheduled to write column until the season ends, but what I never envisaged was that the final few weeks of this Betfred Super League campaign wouldn’t include the Saints…well the men anyway.

So, unfortunately for the Saints faithful who read this, it’s more of what might have been.

It’s Betfred Super League Grand Final week, and after two very different semi-finals, it’s Wigan Vs Hull KR in the big dance on Saturday at Old Trafford.

It will pain the Saints fans, but undeniably again this season our arch rivals Wigan have set the bar...and very high too.

A 38-0 destruction of neighbours Leigh, saw the Warriors march to Old Trafford in a buoyant mood.

This was the third game running Wigan have not conceded a single point, showing their defence is on point coming into the ‘all important’ game of the season.

Talking of defence, come 6pm on Saturday they will be out to defend their Betfred Super League crown, and once again take on the mighty Penrith Panthers, who on Sunday claimed a record breaking fourth NRL Premiership title in a row.

Wigan toppled Nathan Clearly & Co at the start of the 2024 campaign, to therefore go on to hold all four trophies, including League Leaders, Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge.

This is something boss Matty Peet will be looking to emulate.

However, former Wigan star, and now Hull KR head coach Willie Peters will most definitely have other ideas.

Rovers didn’t quite get the easy passage the Warriors did, as they held off a spirited Warrington Wolves side 10-8.

Unsurprisingly, for a game that a whole season depended on, it was the game of the season for me.

It was end to end for the whole of the match, both teams showing guts and desperation for majority of the game.

HKR were by far the better side in the opening 40 minutes, going into the break 10-0 up after tries by James Batchelor and Joe Burgess.

The second one causing all sorts of controversy after on field ref Liam Moore went to the video referee but giving an on-field ‘try’ despite being unable to see the ball.

The rules here state, if the video referee has insufficient evidence to overrule then the on-field decision stands.

This was the case, and Hull KR reaped the benefit of an awful rule.

Surely, if the referee doesn’t see enough to either give or disallow the try, hence going upstairs, he shouldn’t have a bearing on a video referee's decision?

Budgie did little to hide his thoughts on whether he made the line in his post match Sky interview.

But as they say, read it in the paper…..it stood.

A far more clinical Warrington side came out in the second half, and continuously threatened the Hull KR line.

Matty Ashton, who I must say is a player I hugely admire, and is quickly becoming one of the best wingers in the game, went over for two tries in 13 minutes - and looked to be the catalyst to take Wire to Old Trafford for the first time since 2018.

The home side defence had other ideas, and along with Josh Thewlis’s inability to convert either try they managed to hang on and claim the win, and their place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final for the very first time.

It’s probably fitting that it’s the two best and most consistent teams who will run out at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday evening.

Title sponsors Betfred have the Warriors 4/11 favourites, as opposed to the 2/1 priced Robins.

I have to agree, and do fancy Matty Peet to claim his seventh trophy since taking the Wigan job in 2023.

I just think their defensive attitude and endeavour, and certainly since to return form of Bevan French, their attack is far more threatening.

They have a big pack who are all fit and mobile, non more so than young superstar Junior Nsemba.

The newly-crowned Player of the month, and Dream team member will be looking to sign off an incredible season with a winners ring.

Also, I think the Warriors back line of Field, Marshall, Wardle, Keighran and Miski will always create scoring opportunities.

Rovers alike, are a team who love to throw the ball about given the opportunity, but it was their sheer doggedness and effort that saw off the Wolves.

How much has that taken out of them, both physically and mentally?

One guy who will certainly be up for the challenge is one of the players of the season Mikey Lewis.

Mikey is the Rovers talisman and x-factor.

For anyone who watched their semi-final, he’s not shy in trying to rattle the opposition players either.

I think he should just focus this weekend on leading his team round the field, calmly and controlled…but with the running, passing and kicking qualities he’s shown all year.

Another player who will be equally important, is skipper Elliott Minchella.

He returns to the side after missing the semi final win through suspension, and is another player who can make a big difference on both attack and defence.

All that being said, I do think it will be the Wigan Warriors who will be victorious.

I’m going for a win by more than 12 points which is 7/4 with title sponsors Betfred.

Then with that out if the way we will hopefully next season see a refreshed and refocused Saints side challenging for silverware again.

Finally, congratulations to the Saints Women’s team on another outstanding season.

They were bitterly disappointed to lose the 2024 Grand Final on Sunday to current holders York Valkyrie by 18-8 at the TWS.

However, they did pick up two of the three trophies available this season namely the Challenge Cup and League Leaders shield, so all in all a very positive campaign for Head Coach Matty Smith and his team.

Roll on 2025 for both Saints sides.