SAINTS fully expect Catalans Dragons to stick with the same physical blueprint that has been successful in knockout rugby when the sides lock horns in Friday's semi-final (7.45pm).

But that is a challenge Kristian Woolf believes his players can rise to as they continue their quest to become the club's first back-to-back champions for the first time since 2020.

The Dragons were breathing fire in their elimination of Challenge Cup winners Leeds last week, although that approach has landed hooker Michael McIlorum and second row Joel Tomkins with six and eight-match bans respectively.

But they will nonetheless field a 17 that backs up an abrasive physical approach with some real quality with former Wigan full back Sam Tomkins and dual code international Israel Folau both finding form at the business end.

But Saints boss Kristian Woolf is relishing the intense 80 minutes ahead - with the juicy carrot of a Grand Final spot dangling before their eyes.

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He said: "Our players will feel really fresh and confident coming into this game.

"The type of footy you are seeing at the moment is the type of game we thrive on – high energy back and forth type of game.

"We can’t wait for our blokes to get out there because they are champing at the bit as well.

"This is the time of year where you want to be playing – and when you get your best footy."

The last time Saints played Catalans in a semi final it was the 2018 Challenge Cup at Bolton, when Justin Holbrook's men were blown away early doors and were left shell-shocked.

It is a strategy Saints are aware of, through that bitter experience, and they will have to fight fire with fire.

"I thought Catalans did a really good job against Leeds and in that first 15 minutes they were really physical and started with a good intensity – and that seemed to catch Leeds by surprise early on.

"They will come with a blueprint that was successful for them at the weekend, and that is similar to the way they have approached big games in the past, including the Challenge Cup.

"It is something that excites our blokes as well. We are all footy players – and you play the game because you like that physicality.

"It is really important that we match that but also that we use our skillsets and attributes because we have plenty to our game on top of that.

"Once we knew who we were playing this weekend there was a little bit of a buzz.

"And seeing how the players have been all week, there is a real energy and excitement about them to be here.

"That extends to an excitement and real concentration level at training – that is how I know these blokes are ready to go and well prepared," Woolf said.

Saints are at full strength, apart from Mark Percival.

If Saints win on Friday, they will play the winners of Wigan v Hull FC game in the Grand Final on Friday, 27 November at KCOM Stadium.