St Helens coach Craig Richards says a relaxed approach will give his players the freedom to attack Sunday’s Women’s Super League Grand Final against Wigan.
The league’s top two teams will end the dramatic season Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium.
Saints booked their place in the Grand Final by beating champions York Valkyrie 12-8, in the semis. But Wigan didn’t need such a close game – securing their shot at the title with a huge 38-0 win over Leeds Rhinos.
Richards said: “We can almost relax and just go out and play.
“I do not think you enjoy big games unless you win, but to a certain extent, we can enjoy the build-up in a more relaxed fashion.
“We just can go out and attack, attack the game, and for once, the expectation is with someone else, and it has been with us for a long, long time.”
Richards added: “Compliments to Wigan, they have made strides this season. Some of the young kids are starting to mature and the experienced players like Vicky Molyneux, who do what they always do.”
The sides have met three times previously this term, including the Challenge Cup Final, which saw Warriors take home their first silverware of the season.
But perhaps their most memorable meeting came in June, where fans were treated to an epic 22-22 thriller.
Being second in the league, only one point behind the Warriors, has seen Saints’ role reversed and now they are heading into the Grand Final as the underdogs,.
It is a feeling the club hasn’t experienced in a while and they are now in the driving seat to stop Wigan completing the treble.
Throughout the season, the club has seen a huge turnout for home games at the Totally Wicked Stadium and now, Saints are urging fans to travel the short journey to the Brick Community Stadium and believe that the supporters will be the key to getting the girls over the line.
Richards: “Let’s pack the place out as much as possible, and we are definitely going to need you.”
This final also creates some history, with the referee appointed for the game being the first female referee in a Women’s Super League Grand Final. Tara Jones is a former St Helens player, but this weekend is trusted to oversee this clash.
There has been some scepticism around the decision, but the Saints boss said: “I have worked with Tara for a long time now, and I know how dedicated, hardworking she is. I also know that her appointment is a great one based on merit, and neither team will get anything.”
Looking at the final stretch, Richards said: “Focusing for 80 minutes is key, because what we have done in the past is switched off for a couple of minutes, here and there and we have got burnt for it.”
