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Stevo, the face of modern Rugby League commentary, has stated that he considers the current St Helens Club the greatest in the history of the game.

In his recent League Express column, he stated:

“It may irritate the Wigan fans, but I reckon that if Saints win at Old Trafford they can claim to be an even bigger and better club than the great cherry and white outfits that blazed the path of glory during the decade in the eighties and nineties during which they dominated the game.

“Wigan’s run of Challenge Cup and Championships wins was an outstanding effort, but they did purchase the majority of the world's best, and were not constrained by a salary cap.

“St Helens, on the other hand, have created their own dynasty by bringing through the juniors on a regular basis, and surely must be classed as the best club in British Rugby League by a mile.

“Bradford fans no doubt will claim that they too have blazed the trail of success, but a quick glance at Saints' trophy cupboard soon jolts you into realising what an impact they have had on our sport. And when you throw in the fact they won the BBC Team of the Year award in the same year as the Europeans won the Ryder Cup, you have to say they are known throughout the land by all sports fans and mentioned in the same breath as Manchester United and Chelsea.

“They are exciting to watch, and their standard has even improved each year. It's no coincidence that Saints have attracted over 30 sponsors eager to be connected in some shape or form with their success.

“Ironically they even have attracted the rugby equipment supplier Rhino, who for years have been involved exclusively with rugby union. But such is the attraction of Saints that they have jumped on board for next year.

“Since the year 2000 they have won two World Club Challenge trophies, three Grand Finals, five Challenge Cups, five Lance Todd trophies, three Harry Sunderland trophies, and the last four table-topping silver plates.

“The Man of Steel award has gone to their players on six occasions via Sean Long, Paul Sculthorpe (twice), Jamie Lyon, Paul Wellens and James Roby.

“With only Jamie Peacock in the mix between Leon Pryce and James Graham for this season's Man of Steel award, you have to agree that the boys from the glass town have been cock of the roost over the past eight years.

“Daniel Anderson won the Coach of the Year award and won the treble in 2006, and the retiring Aussie guru could even pip odds-on favourite Mick Potter for this year's gong.

“And it’s going to take an amazing performance from Leeds to prevent them sending Mr Anderson back to Australia as arguably Saints' best and most successful coach ever.”

There could be no greater acclaim from a Yorkshireman as we gear up for the Grand Finale to our season.

**Thanks to League Express for the use of this excerpt!