Match Preview: Catalans Dragons vs Saints – Grand Final

Saints face Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford on Saturday evening with kick off at 6pm as we look to claim a historic Three-Peat of Super League Grand Final wins!

BACKGROUND…

The Betfred Super League Grand Final returns to Old Trafford on Saturday. Following a year’s hiatus, the showpiece event heads back to the Theatre of Dreams in what promises to be an unforgettable affair.

After a gruelling 2021 season packed with unpredictable drama and undeniable action, the two standout teams from this year’s competition go in search of Grand Final immortality.

For League Leaders Catalans Dragons, it’s a chance to etch themselves further into the sports history books. After securing their first ever League Leaders’ Shield this season – just three years after their first Challenge Cup triumph – they are now on the brink of ending a fairy tale season with victory in their maiden appearance at Old Trafford.

Despite their dominance this season, Catalans Head Coach and Coach of the Year Steve McNamara, insists the pressure is off his Dragons side. After beating Hull KR in last week’s Semi-Final in front of a sold-out crowd at Stade Gilbert Brutus, his side head to Old Trafford looking for their first Super League crown.

The Dragons will need to be at their very best come Saturday Night when they face a St Helens side that have become experts at winning when it matters. After ending a 13-year drought to win the Challenge Cup earlier this season, Saints are now hunting a history-equalling third consecutive Grand Final win and the ‘Three-Peat!’.

LAST TEN MEETINGS:

Catalans Dragons 31, St Helens 30 (aet) (SLR23, 4/9/21) (at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
St Helens 34, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR18, 7/8/21)
Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 16 (SLR7, 22/5/21)
St Helens 48, Catalans Dragons 2 (SLSF, 20/11/20)
St Helens 34, Catalans Dragons 6 (SLR4, 2/8/20) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
St Helens 50, Catalans Dragons 14 (SLR13, 28/4/19)
Catalans Dragons 18, St Helens 10 (SLR9, 6/4/19)
Catalans Dragons 22, St Helens 26 (SLS8-R4, 8/9/18)
Catalans Dragons 35, St Helens 16 (CCSF, 5/8/18) (at University of Bolton Stadium)
St Helens 26, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR14, 3/5/18)

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR JAMES ROBY

James Roby and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook both have the chance to become the oldest players to score in a Super League Grand Final. They would beat the record held by Kevin Sinfield (35 years, 28 days), who kicked three goals in victory for Leeds against Wigan in 2015.

THE GRAND FINAL STATS

St Helens hold the most Grand Final appearances with 13 (1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021).

A victory would be our 8th Grand Final win and 9th Super League title overall.

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE – MILESTONES

Sione Mata’utia needs one appearance to reach 150 for his career.

21 for St Helens (2021)
124 for Newcastle Knights (2014-2020)
1 for Samoa (2017)
3 for Australia (2014)

Tommy Makinson needs three tries to reach 150 for St Helens.

Mark Percival needs one try to reach 100 for St Helens.

SQUADS

Read more by clicking here.

COACHES PREVIEW

Head over to Saints TV to watch the joint press conference at Old Trafford.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Liam Moore will be the referee and James Child will be the video referee.

KIT?

Saints are the away team and so will play in our navy blue kit.

CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS FOR THE MATCH?

The Totally Wicked Stadium ticket office will NOT be open for collections. It is closed from 5pm Friday.

You can purchase tickets from Super League here.

WHAT TIME DO THE COACHES LEAVE?

Coaches will leave the Totally Wicked Stadium at 3:30pm prompt. Please note you cannot park at the stadium.

SAINTS SUPERSTORE

The Saints Superstore will be open from 10am until 3pm on Saturday for your last minute Grand Final merchandise.

SPECTATOR GUIDE

Read the spectator information including, stadium maps, entry with tickets and Covid safety measures.

CLICK HERE TO READ.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

I CAN’T ATTEND – WHERE CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?

The game is live on Sky Sports, but supporters can also follow the game on our official TwitterFacebook and Instagram accounts as well as on our Live Match Centre.

Reaction will follow the Full-Time whistle on our website and social media channels whilst the highlights and the full 80 minute replay will be on Saints TV over the weekend for subscribers.

Principal Club Partners

LWC Logo

Platinum Club Partners

Elcons Logo
Astar Recruitment logo
BIFFA Logo

Associate Club Partners

St Helens College logo

Official Club Partners

Box Holders