It’s only been a couple of weeks since Saints last faced Warrington but Justin Holbrook insists previous form will count for nothing when the sides meet again on Thursday.
The Totally Wicked Stadium will see the competition’s first and fourth placed clubs go head to head for the right to play in next Saturday’s Grand Final.
Saints have won all the contests with the Wolves this year but the Wire are no strangers to the end of year showpiece having appeared at Old Trafford three times in the last six seasons.
“Our record against them this season won’t play a part on Thursday,” Holbrook said. “I would’ve rather have beaten them than not, of course, but it does give them extra motivation.
“This is a semi-final so we are expecting nothing less than a tough game.”
Saints have been edged in the previous three play-off semi-finals; last progressing to the Grand Final in 2014 when they won the competition.
A Golden Point drop goal from Luke Gale was the difference in 2017 but Holbrook says Saints are in better shape this time around.
“Last year we had to win the last ten games or so to make the semis, but this year we have led the comp from Round One,” he said. “We have been smarter in the back end of the year to get guys over their niggles and to make sure they are primed and fresh.
“The young guys have made the best of their opportunities and have been outstanding whilst the senior guys have set the standards. We are in a good place but we know we have to play well on Thursday.
“Last year we had to keep on rolling them out every week just to get to the semi-finals. It’s different now and we are in better frame of mind than we were last year.
“It’s now up to us to go out there and perform.”
Saints will head into Thursday’s game as favourites and received a welcome boost this week when seven members of the club were named in the Dream Team.
Ben Barba, Tommy Makinson, Mark Percival and Jonny Lomax joined Danny Richardson, James Roby and Luke Thompson in the side.
Justin added: “I am extremely proud of these players and I am proud to coach each one of them. I see their hard work and their consistency – they have earned the right to make this team and they should be very proud.
“It is huge effort to be here and a good achievement also, but we are a team sport and we have to bring it all together on Thursday.
“We have been great this year but we need two more big efforts. We have to earn it and that starts on Thursday.
“It is an exciting time of the year and we are looking forward to it.”
Tickets for Thursday’s Semi-Final are now on sale. The game kicks off at 7:45pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium and you can secure your spot by calling into the Ticket Office, tel: 01744 455 052 or online here.
Discounts are available for 2018 Members but you have to take this up by 5pm on Wednesday.
