BETFRED naturally have St Helens 4/7 favourites to win the competition’s finale at Wembley, with Halifax the rank outsiders at 100/1.

Wire, who are just about keeping up with us in the hunt for silverware on all fronts, are 2/1 to win the competition, with the Black & Whites at 11/2.

Amazingly, Saints have lost FIVE Challenge Cup semis since we last lifted the trophy back in 2008, my last ever career game!

In fact, James Roby is the only member of that triumphant team that is still playing for the club.

The 33-year-old skipper and talisman, who will be forever part of the Challenge Cup history as the first ever try-scorer at the new Wembley back in 2007, reckons the final is “magical” and that’s something he has been stressing to his teammates.

Complacency can be the biggest enemy of successful teams and that’s what I think was part to blame this time last year against eventual winners Catalan Dragons.

However, I’ve said it all year this is a different team, better in performance but also mental preparation.

Robes has given a little insight into the thinking of the squad, who lead the Betfred Super League by six points, ahead of this Sunday’s game against bottom club London Broncos.

He rightly points out that the key messages spoken are maintaining high standards and consistency – which is obviously working.

Meanwhile, I’m delighted that Theo Fages has out pen to paper and extended his contract with the club until 2021.

The French captain has been sensational this season.

I have been so impressed in his on-field leadership qualities directing the team around the field, as well as his kicking game.

He has grown as the season has gone on, but on top of the aforementioned I just love his competitive nature!

He puts his body in places he really shouldn’t for someone his size, but he seems to thrive of the physical side of the game, something not a lot of half-backs can claim!

Back to the Broncos, Coach Justin Holbrook will know Sunday is a great opportunity to keep on blooding his young squad members, who I must say certainly haven’t let him down this season.

Let’s just keep momentum as we go into the second and most important half of the year.

I’m going for another Betfred Super League two points for the Saints with a +26pt win (6/4 at Betfred)