Justin Holbrook knows it has been a decade since Saints last tasted the Challenge Cup Final - and hopes that journey will continue on Sunday.
His side host current holders Hull FC at the Totally Wicked Stadium (3:30pm) – and they haven’t lost in the competition for over two years.
“I knew as soon as I joined the club that it was 10 years since they had been to Wembley,” he said. “It was something we spoke about as a group at the start of pre-season. We are aware of it, but we also know there is a long way to go.
“It is an exciting game as it is a different competition. We treated it differently against Castleford. It is another game against one of the same teams you play against in your competition but it is different.
“You have to acknowledge that it does mean more, but you also want to play the same.
“The team are aware it is something special but the way we play has to be the same.”
He continued: “Hull may have a few out but their forward pack is very strong and they have a very smart hooker. Their back three are really strong too.
“They won’t be far off and have won it for the last two years. It will be tough game.
“Radders (Lee Radford) knows how to get them up for this competition. They weren’t sitting top last year but still went on to win it. They will be preparing to do it again.”
Holbrook says that both Tommy Makinson and Ben Barba will be available for Sunday’s clash whilst there are no other injury concerns from last Thursday’s win at Castleford.
“We’ve had the luxury of a longer turnaround for this game and instead of cramming everything into them, we have had the chance for a slower start to the week which the players have enjoyed.
“The excitement will certainly build as we get closer to the game.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game remain on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 454 052 or online here.
