At that time with the young players we had, many people hoped we could go on and be successful consistently but at that time we still had a reputation as bridesmaids so no one seriously thought it would happen.

8 years, 5 titles and 3 WCC's later...it's unbelievable.

Perhaps what came more out of left field was that saints, at the time super league's big game team, would become the bridesmaids at the hands of leeds. 4 times.

In 2004 we just battered everyone into submission on the way to the final but it wasn't until 2007 we got that formula just right and haven't failed since, depending on how you class 2010.

For me - (Other than the GF) the definative score line that set the tone for the following years.....Leeds 70-0 Saints. Personally, I think proved we had the minerals and let saints know they we were going to make life hard for them from now on.

To be fair though, that was hardly a competitive Saints team on the field that day.

I remember as soon as the final whistle went at the end of the 2004 Grand Final, my brother in law(Bradford Bulls fan) who was sat next to me saying to me it's your first championship since David Ward played in 1972 and Danny Ward is playing today and that Leeds won't win another in his son his playing for us. I take great pleasure in reminding him of this everytime we have won the title since.

It was in 2004 when we witnessed what can only be described as the 'perfect storm' - July 23rd to be precise.

It was a Friday night, it was hot, the entire crowd were bouncing and the boys put in a faultless display of Rugby.

That day I will remember for the rest of my life.