I think the Saints era is coming to a close, no complaints here on what they have achieved the last few years. Catalan for me are going to be the top dogs for a few seasons.

This seasons play off's will be interesting, its who finds that consistency at the right time will be crowned.

I think there’s a point at which more success, paradoxically, becomes less impressive. Where you start to wonder more about the strength of the competition than of the dominant team. Extreme examples being the Boston Celtics winning the NBA title 11 times between 1957 and 1969, St George winning the NSWRL premiership every year between 1956 and 1966 and Bayern Munich’s current run of 11 Bundesliga titles.

Leigh’s challenge cup will likely live long in the memory because it was remarkable. Like Leicester City in 2016. Saints lifting trophies is just routine now and kinda dull for everybody else. It’s not Saints fault that SL generally hasn’t been very competitive or that if sport even is still cyclical, the turning of the wheel is so slow. But at least they get to win forever, even if nobody but Saints much cares.

That's an incredibly bold statement to make. I'll ignore the bit about Saints, our run has come to an end because of our choice of coach more than anything. I'll be amazed if we win anything under Wellens, but hope to be proved wrong on that.

But the shout about Catalans being on the verge of a multi-year dynasty of their own is just way out there. They are losing Sam Tomkins, Mitchell Pearce, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Adam Keighran, Mickael Goudemand, Tyrone May, Tiaki Chan and Matt Whitley. There are also rumours of Mat Ikuvalu, Tom Davies and Fouad Yaha leaving.

That's an enormous chunk of what makes them successful leaving. I'm sure they have some signings on top of Fages and Satae to announce to replace those players, but it'll be some going if they're able to replace them with players as good as those they are losing.

So I see there's absolutely no reaction to Catalans successfully appealing McIllorum's ban. He has one of the worst disciplinary records going and gets off. No controversy, no Twitter meltdown, no barrage of articles from the terrible RL press. Compare and contrast to the mass hysteria whenever Saints appeal a ban, successfully or not.

Was it one of those second technical appeals made infamous by the Morgan Knowles appeal? There’s about as much trust in those as a in a mini-licensing round, and they need to do something about them (i.e. bin or replace them) or the whole system could fall apart.

Too late the whole system has fallen apart.

This man gets it. Nothing will change until the biggest saints envy person since Jason65, Paul Cullen is removed from the MRP.

Only then will it be taken seriously. The rugby union equivalent has world renowned KCs to preside over it. We have ex managers with an axe to grind. That’s why we are a tin pot sport. Always scraping the barrel

Why do you keep saying "we". You're not a league or Saints fan. For God's sake, drop the presence! We all know you're a Union troll. At least have the decency to post as one.

Why did you bring me into this how can I be envious of a team that has less fans watching,has won less trophies,championships,and whose fans (some) are the most one eyed,self opinionated set who like to cast themselves as the club that is the greatest of all time and that the RL will do anything to stop them from winning,which is untrue .
Am sorry friend that is one more lie to go with all the others that you make up to be controversial etc.

Is it true that you are a RU troll and still lives at home with your teddy bears and mummy to cuddle at night when no one wants to play with you at school,that is a serious question,please answer but not on a PM

Saints don't really do closure, with so many players out this season with injuries and suspensions we are going into a quicker transition that will be a combination of playing style and academy players. Currently with half a pack missing and a few centres missing we are have actally gone from 7th place to joint 2nd place.

Not sure if the Catalans are going to be top dog for a few seasons maybe this season a grand final appearance but it looks as though the Wigoon side could challenge they have recruited well for next season whilst Catalan are losing pivotal players.