Rugby League: One defeat doesn’t mean it’s the end of an era for ‘great’ Saints

Oct 18 2007 by Sean McGuire, Liverpool Daily Post

ST HELENS were comprehensively defeated by Leeds in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford last Saturday, and it seems that some of their fans are already predicting the end of an era.

For the last couple of years, the Saints have been the most successful club, of either code, in world rugby.

Last season they won every competition they entered, including beating the winning Ryder Cup team to be voted the BBC Team of the Year and defeating the mighty Brisbane Broncos to be crowned World Club Champions, as well as the League Leader’s Shield, Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup.

Good teams, or great teams like Saints do not become mediocre overnight.

One defeat, at the end of a punishing and long season, does not herald catastrophe.

The fundamentals of an exceptional team, guided by first class coaching, are still there.

If there was a poll of Super League coaches they would tell you that they all fear and respect the red vee of the Saints.

One defeat does not alter that, and their loyal fans should know that and plan to be entertained by more great rugby league in 2008.