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.

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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.

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"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