The squad and their guests celebrated their forthcoming appearance in the World Club Challenge at the event, which was compered by the BBC’s Gordon Burns and Jodie Fielder.

 Last season’s impressive haul of trophies was on display with players such as Jon Wilkin, James Graham and Paul Sculthorpe parading them for the diners.

 The night was particularly special for Sean Long, who had played in his testimonial earlier that day, and the squad were in good spirits and spoke on stage of how they were all relishing the challenges this season will bring.

 New boy Matt Gidley also made his Saints debut in the game and told the assembled crowd how excited he was about helping bring even more trophies to Knowsley Road this season.

 More than 200 guests attended the dinner, which was sponsored by James Edwards Land Rover, and thousands of pounds was raised to go towards Saints’ youth development activity.

 Club chief executive Sean McGuire thanked guests and supporters of the club, while chairman Eamonn McManus paid tribute to coach Daniel Anderson for his achievements.