WITH tonight's Super League Grand Final being played behind closed doors it has not been the usual pre-match routine for the thousands of Saints fans who would normally be on their way to Old Trafford.
However, one fan has continued his tradition of writing a pre-match poem to get supporters in the big match mood.
Saints take on rivals Wigan at Hull's KCOM Stadium in tonight's title decider as they look to defend their Super League crown.
Fan Chris Appleton, from Newton-le-Willows, has marked each Grand Final day over the years with a poem, which he shares on Facebook.
And he has written one ahead of tonight's encounter, incorporating the story of this year's unusual season.
READ > A Grand Final win is best way to thanks Saints fans
"I always do it when it's a Grand Final or a big game," said Chris, who works as a banker.
"I did one before a Grand Final about 10 years ago and ever since I have put something on.
"It's already had more than 150 likes and plenty of comments."
Chris says he will be joining relatives and friends, who he would normally be going to Old Trafford with on Grand Final day, on Zoom for some pre-match drinks and chat before the big kick-off.
"It's a completely different thing, I've been working at home today.
"I'm sure come 5pm I'll be nervous."
Here is Chris' poem ahead of tonight's match in full:
It’s Grand Final day, but not like the others
We won’t be at OT, with our Dads and our Brothers
We’d usually be there, The Theatre of Dreams
Breathing in the night air and cheering on out teams
Instead it’s in Hull, on a Friday night
There won’t be a fan anywhere in sight
A change of date, it’s not mid October
Although for a change we might watch it sober
What an odd season, played in two parts
Scrums have gone, and we have set re-starts
Saints started slowly after last season’s highs
Pre lockdown we were 6th, behind the Wolves and the pies
Toronto made their debut, which didn’t last long
Blew the budget on Sonny Bill, and then it went wrong
Then the world changed and covid hit
No rugby for 4 months was pretty .... (annoying)
But soon it was August and the season was back
Jammer came home to lead out our pack
We turned a corner and were soon on the up
Although we had a little hiccup in the Challenge Cup
All our focus was on reaching the top five
Back to back titles was our main drive
It didn’t take long until we reached the top
Back where we below, the cream of the crop
Our youngsters were thriving, they were given the chance
To play with their idols and help us advance
Playoffs secured before they were cut short
But not making the final was never a thought
A tough looking semi, but we can through in style
A solid first half, then we won by a mile
So here we are on Grand Final day
Beating the auld enemy will be the best way
Hopefully a farewell ring for Jammer, Zeb and Dom
And a couple of tries for Regan and Tom
It’s going to be tough, we need a strong pack
Creating the position for us to mount the attack
The halves and Coote will be the reason
That win win another Grand Final this season
So come on you Saints, give us something to cheer
We’re all due a smile after a pretty dismal year
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