St Helens full-back Paul Wellens is looking forward to repeating the 'awesome' feeling of beating Wigan in a Grand Final.
Saints veteran hoping to celebrate 10-year anniversary in style
St Helens full-back Paul Wellens is looking forward to repeating the 'awesome' feeling of beating Wigan in a Grand Final.
Wellens was part of the Saints side that defeated Wigan 29-16 in 2000 and went on to win three more Super League winners' rings.
However, it is the thrill of beating Wigan that excites him most and he is relishing another epic derby as the rivals prepare to clash again for the title on Saturday.
"I'm really looking forward to the game," said Wellens. "The title is up for grabs and being a Saints-Wigan derby certainly adds a little more to it.
"It is 10 years since we last played them in a Grand Final - we were successful then and hopefully we can get the same result this year.
"Being a final and a local derby, to win that game was an awesome feeling. That is my favourite Grand Final, for obvious reasons.
"It is certainly a feeling I would like to feel again at the weekend."
Inspiration
Wellens is also hoping to give Saints legend Keiron Cunningham a winning send off with the hooker hanging up his boots after Saturday's match.
"It has been well documented in recent weeks what Keiron has brought to the club in 17 seasons," Wellens said.
"For someone to stay at the top and play at the highest standard for that length of time is truly inspirational to us all. "Hopefully we can give him the send-off we feel he deserves."
Wellens is one of the leading contenders to take over as captain from Cunningham next season.
"I'm certainly one of the senior players," he said. "After Keiron I think I have played more games for the club than anyone else in the squad.
"As a young boy when you are stood on the terraces watching the team it's everyone's dream to play for your hometown club.
"I have been really lucky I have had the opportunity to do that and to do it for so long.
"It certainly won't be lost on me this weekend how important the occasion is for us as players and the people of the town."
