Luke Thompson grew up watching the derby and now is experiencing its white hot atmosphere right in the thick of it.
Thursday night will see the prop make his tenth appearance in the showpiece and it’s one he is relishing.
“These are the games you look forward to during the season,” he said. “As a kid I loved watching these games so to be involved now is great. The atmosphere is something special and I’m really looking forward to it.
“We beat them on Good Friday and want to do it again.”
Saints chalked up a win over Wigan on Good Friday and sit eight points clear of their rivals on the Betfred Super League ladder.
But that will count for nothing when the two sides lock horns this Thursday.
“We are mindful of where we are sat but don’t really focus on it. It’s more about performing each week,” he added. “We set high standards here and work hard to make sure we are up to those standards.
“We can always get better and improve. We have a gap but can’t get too comfortable. We won’t allow that to stop what we are doing.
“There is a lot to play for and we haven’t won anything yet. We don’t want to think too far ahead; it’s about staying fit and having a good end to the season.”
Thommo is the form prop in the competition and that was echoed when he scored a flyer at Hull FC to seal a 34-18 win.
It took his season’s tally to four.
“It was a great away win at Hull,” he said. “It is a tough place to go. We conceded a couple of tries early in the second half and did really well to come back.
“The manner of the performance was good and it will stand us in good stead for the future.
“It was good try wasn’t it? I hit a nice line from Jonny at pace, got through and backed myself to put down in the corner.”
Tickets for Thursday’s derby are now on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
