Saints unusually go into the game as underdogs after – in a reversal of the past two seasons – finishing second to Leeds in the regular season table.

The Merseysiders’ form dipped in the closing two months of the campaign but Wellens feels they are picking up at the right time after coming through a tough semi-final against rivals Wigan last week.

“The guys are raring to go,” said Wellens. “It was a very tough game against Wigan – they were fantastic and pushed us all the way.

“It could have gone either way but our defence stood firm and managed to get us over the line.

“We are going to have to defend similarly come Saturday to beat a very good Leeds side.

“It doesn’t get any easier but you couldn’t expect it any other way if you want to win a championship.

“You are going to have to beat the best teams and Leeds have certainly proved this year they are the best team in the competition.

“We will need to raise our standards to get the job done but we’ve got a lot of confidence from the last couple of games.”

Tomorrow marks the end of an era for Saints as star scrum-half Sean Long makes his final appearance for the club after 12 years of outstanding service.

Long has been synonymous with Saints’ successes throughout that period, which have also included five Challenge Cup victories. Wellens said: “Longy has been fantastic for the club.

“On the field he has broken all the records. He has won so many trophies and awards – three Lance Todd trophies, no-one else has done that.”