NATHAN Brown is expected to put his faith in the same side that got Saints to the Grand Final when he names his 19-man line-up today.
That would see a first showpiece appearance for youngsters Greg Richards and Luke Thompson.
“They’ve come through the system here and done well,” Brown said. “They played well against Castleford and Catalan and I’m sure in two or three years they will be even better.
“Greg has been with the club since he was 14 and Thommo 11. Both clubs survive on that sort of talent production and it ensures we are well set for the future.
“Winning the League Leaders’ Shield and making the Grand Final… I think the boys are winners already.
“Not one person in England thought we would win the Shield and not one person thought we would be here. We have defied a lot of people with what we have done without some of our more influential players.
“Credit must go to Paul Wellens, James Roby and Jon Wilkin; those blokes that came through the successful era. They have shown great desire and spirit and it has rubbed off on everyone.”
He continues: “The win at Wigan was really important for us. The first time we faced them we didn’t stand up physically but the second time we did. The forward battle will determine the result on Saturday. We know they are coming and we will need to be up for it physically too. I’d be surprised if both sides aren’t up for the collision and whoever wins those battles will determine who wins on the day.
“No one is tipping us; there isn’t a soul that is backing us. From a pressure point of view there isn’t any on us as no one is expecting us to win. A few weeks ago Wigan would have rubbed their hands at playing us in a Grand Final.
“Well, this squad didn’t believe what people were saying and now we are here. We will be giving it our best shot. We are tipping ourselves.”
Tickets for the Grand Final remain on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park until 12pm today. Any unsold tickets will then go back to the RFL.
