The finals series had a couple of unusual twists this year as will be revealed. We start with the first round matches. That pitted the teams that finished third to sixth with the top two having a week off.
Round One: Fourth placed Wigan hosted fifth placed Leeds and with a historical reputation of success the home side was favoured. Wigan also had a reputation for arm wrestle type matches this season. That proved true but they were on the losing side of another tight one, 0-8.
Warrington came third and had the 'advantage' of playing the sixth best side Hull KR. KR was a surprise to have got this far. The even bigger surprises were winning away and nilling their opponent 0-19 as well.
So two upsets and both home sides not even able to score. That's the twists out of the way.
Semi Finals: The side from the south of France, the Catalan Dragons welcomed massive underdogs Hull KR. The home crowd packed the stadium and created a fine atmosphere. The host team was never really troubled, winning 28-10 after leading 12-4 at the break.
Saints took on Leeds in the other game. They cruised to a 36-8 victory, although only leading 14-4 at half time. The winners won the last two grand finals so were off to see if they could make it three in a row.
No upsets this round as the top two sides in the season prepared themselves to go to Old Trafford.
Grand Final: The green shading below points to the favourite for the match. The Catalan Dragons won the league but going to their first final against a team well experienced in such were the less likely winners.
St Helens led in a tight encounter 6-4 after 40 minutes and the change of ends. Then the Catalan Dragons got ahead 10-6 and a nail biting finished was on the cards. So it proved to be with Saints getting a decisive converted try to edge the plucky first timers 12-10.
Well done to both finalists. The Dragons will be better for the experience and Saints will go again to see if four consecutive grand final victories is possible.
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