ST HELENS coach Justin Holbrook was able to leave the club on a high after seeing his side overcome Salford in Super League’s Grand Final on Saturday.

Saints have won the League Leaders’ Shield twice on his watch but failed to reach the final in 2018 and lost the Challenge Cup final to Warrington this season.

The Australian, who will return home to take charge of the National Rugby League’s Gold Coast Titans, was overjoyed that his team’s entertaining brand of rugby had finally brought them a Grand Final triumph.

“We know how much it means because we have fallen short this past couple of years,” he said. 

“It has probably been a two-and-a-half years’ work and progress to get to this stage.

“We know how much rugby league means to this town and bringing the trophy back makes it so special.”

While success is expected at St Helens, Salford have been a scintillating underdog story this season. The club was expected to be battling against relegation rather than challenging for Grand Final honours.

A third-place finish in the league — just two points behind Wigan — and a trip to Old Trafford made this a season to remember, as well as one to build on for Ian Watson’s side.

“I think it’s been amazing what they’ve achieved,” said Salford-born head coach Ian Watson of his Red Devils squad.

“Probably bigger than getting to Grand Final is that the boys have got people to fall in love with their rugby team again in Salford.”

It was almost a home game for the club whose former stadium, The Willows, was located just on the other side of the Manchester Ship Canal in the Weaste area of the city.

Salford fans watched on from a packed East stand as their team defended their line gallantly early on in the game. But Saints eventually crossed when a short pass from Alex Walmsley sent Morgan Knowles charging over.

And a well-worked set piece from a scrum led Zeb Taia in for a second, with Lachlan Coote converting both tries.

Salford rarely ventured beyond their own half in the opening half hour. But when they eventually managed to get good field position, Jackson Hastings and Tui Lolohea combined to set up Jake Bibby who took a good finish. Krisnan Inu added the extras to round off a high quality, fast-paced first half at 12-6.

The second period was eventually dominated by St Helens. A number of key decisions went the way of the favourites and they were able to take control of the game.

Saints could easily have been a man down if referee Chris Kendall saw a dangerous tackle and contact to the head on Red Devils winger Kristian Inu.

But Mark Percival’s solo try deserved to win any game. He took on the Salford defence on his own, kicking behind the line and pouncing on the loose ball to score under the posts.

Coote added the extras plus two penalties to seal the win. And Tommy Makinson, who played on despite dislocating his shoulder, began the celebrations with a late drop goal — his first-ever for the club in over 200 appearances.

Holbrook said of his time at St Helens: “I’ve loved it, it’s been absolutely brilliant.

“Since the day I got here I’ve loved coaching this side and I’ve loved having the responsibility of the town.

“I thought I’d be a lot more emotional at full-time but I was just proud and privileged to be in this role and for the boys to deliver the trophy.”