VIKINGS have the unenviable task of trying to stop the Ben Barba-inspired Saints juggernaut at Saturday’s Magic even in Newcastle.

But having put up a stirring second half against Leeds, coach Denis Betts believes his side can rise to the challenge against the league leaders.

They will have to do so without Lloyd White but there is a good chance that scrum half Joe Mellor will return for the showpiece at St James’ Park.

Betts said his side would not be over-awed.

“We seem to do all right against the bigger sides,” he said.

“We have a bit of fearless, dog mentality that we thrive upon.

“We knew we had St Helens at the start of the year before they have turned into this year with Ben Barba.

“It is going to be a big challenge, but the lads are keen to get out there and carry on what they did against Leeds.

“We need to tidy up a few things - we need to attack this game with real steel.”

One player they will have to seek to neutralise - easier said than done - is Barba, who has scored back-to-back hat-tricks - and he may just fancy his chance to shine on his Magic debut.

Betts said: “He is an outstanding star of the game.

“He brings life to the game and is bouncing about, and enjoying himself and everyone feeds off him.

“What you get with truly inspirational players is that they make players around them play better.

“If you look at the St Helens side this year you have some outstanding players in their roster but they are playing better because of the levels Ben Barba is setting.”

But Betts was not simply focusing on Barba - he sees dangermen throughout.

“We have got a lot of challenges; Percival is playing well, Lomax has settled in to the halves good and Makinson is a threat in backfield.

“In the pack Jon Wilkin is playing some of his best rugby for years and is thriving, while Luke Thompson is showing form to put him in international contention.

“And James Roby does it every week.

“It is a tough team to challenge and we have a task laid out in front of us.

“But we can go in with a real positive attitude.”

In terms of White’s injury, Betts explained that the Welsh hooker had snapped his pectoral muscle completely off the bone and will need to have an operation and will be out for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Betts said: “We have cover, Jordan Johnstone did a great job and Danny Walker is training the house down.

“But Danny is still on that development pathway where you don’t want to over-use him and play him every week as a developing nine in the toughest position.

“To lose Lloyd, who on his day is among the top three hookers in the country is a massive loss.”