AFTER last week’s tipping...it’s about time I was on the money!

I was pretty spot on with my prediction that Saints would trounce Wakefield AND that Leeds would overcome Salford to lift the Challenge Cup.

Saints turned in an outstanding performance against Betfred Super League basement boys Wakefield, taking the two points with a 48-6 demolition.

This came only six days after a far less convincing performance against the same opposition despite again winning 20-16.

This was a totally different display, with the scoring opened in just the third minute...by who other than that man James Roby!

Following a seemingly impossible offload from Jack Welsby, skipper Robes walked over in the corner for his 100th Super League try one the Red Vee.

In his 17th season at the club, aged 34 he just continues to lead from the front week in week out.

The only other hooker in the history of Super League to score more tries is his mentor and club legend Keiron Cunningham.

My old teammate Kez leads the way with 138 tries between the start of SL in 1996 until his retirement in 2010.

Could Robes catch him? Who would back against this man?

How does he continue to turn in performances week in week out to the standard we expect of him?

Well I will tell you. He is an ultimate professional. His preparation in regards to his fitness, skill level and game awareness is second to none.

He is not the most outspoken of captains, rather someone who likes to lead with his own standards and performance, and this is something that has made him one of the greatest players...not just of the Betfred Super League era but of our sport, period.

Turning to Wembley and the Challenge Cup final. I must say congratulations to both the RFL and the BBC for putting on a great spectacle during the most testing of times.

Despite no crowds being allowed in our national stadium, the coverage on TV sold our game superbly and showed just how resilient we are.

From the alternative 'Abide with me’, the promotion of next year’s RLWC2021 and the love and support for our brother Rob Burrow...I was very proud to be associated with Rugby League. Well done all.

Back to the game itself, it certainly didn’t disappoint as a contest. In a game of two halves, Leeds went in to the break with a deserving 12-6 lead, but were pushed all the way by underdogs Salford, who were the better side in the second and had several opportunities to win the game.

However, step up Luke Gale. Like he did to Saints in the Betfred Super League play-off semis in 2017, the England half back was again the match winner with the winning drop goal in the 75th minute. The Rhinos held on to the 17-16 lead for the remaining five minutes to claim their first silverware since 2017.

Gale and Roby are two key players for their respective teams but it is Saints stars Alex Walmsley and Lachlan Coote that are well in the race for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award come November.

Also in contention for the biggest individual accolade in the game are Huddersfield talisman Aiden Sezer, Castleford hooker Paul McShane and Wigan back rower Liam Farrell.

Back to the Betfred Super League, and it the Challenge Cup winners Leeds that are next to face the current Betfred Super League holders at our Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday. The challenge for the Rhino’s is not only to refocus after the highs of Wembley, but they are also facing the best team in the Betfred Super League.

They are currently on the periphery of a top four position and will be desperate for a win to keep the pressure on the Catalan Dragons. I’m backing the Saints to maintain their lead in top spot with win of 13 points or more (11/10 at Betfred)