My take on the game... first half was a great battle. Hull succeeded in dictating the style of the game to St Helens, and for the most part shutting their attacking prowess down. St Helens talent shines through in the way they play out each minute of the game, and make the most of chances when they arrive. The play with two minutes before half-time was a coach killer for Hull, and sure enough St Helens swooped to take in a fortunate 6 point advantage and momentum.
Hull really needed to shap up and come out just as strong and committed and mistake free in the second half, but they didn't. An early Hull mistake and St Helens scored what was the vital try. Sean Long's attacking kicks were very good last night, and exploited the positioning difficulties of Hull's wingers. Hull's kicking game was much stronger for most of the first half than it was for the rest of the match too.
St Helens bench talent really gives them advantage when other teams are tiring or clocking off. Graham (great tackler around the legs), Roby, and Fa'asalavu are great players to have up your sleeve, fair to say that Hull don't have that same impact in reserve.
Thought Wellens was a strange choice as medal winner, felt that Long was more instrumental in their win on this occasion (though didn't think he was most deserving of the Cup medal at the time). The world works in strange ways I guess.
Great crowd, great atmosphere as always, there's nothing like it. And having now been to 18 grand finals as a neutral (not counting my 5 cheering on my own Parramatta) in various Sydney venues and over here, the buzz in and around old Trafford before and throughout a Superleague grand final is second to none I've experienced in rugby league.
Congrats to St Helens, best side all year and deserved winners of the double.
