In a Betfred Super League season which has broken records when it comes to its competitiveness, the prospect of the champions taking on the current league leaders is as mouth-watering as at any time in the summer era.
St Helens v Catalans is the opening fixture of Round 19, so here is everything you need to know about Thursday's clash.
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Where: Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens.
When: 8pm (BST)
TV: Sky Sports Arena
St Helens' last five: Won 24-20 @ Warrington (Rd 18), Won 22-0 v Castleford (Rd 17), Lost 6-34 @ Hull FC (Rd 16), Won 34-16 v Wigan (Rd 15), Won 48-6 v Huddersfield (Rd 14)
Catalans' last five: Lost 14-22 v Huddersfield (Rd 18), Won 28-18 @ Hull FC (Rd 17), Won 38-30 v Leigh (Rd 16), Won 38-4 v Hull KR (Rd 15), Won 46-22 v Wigan (Rd 14)
Betfred match winner odds (80 minutes): St Helens 1/3, Catalans 12/5, draw 20/1
First try scorer odds: Jon Bennison (St Helens) 7/1, Tom Johnstone (Catalans) 7/1, Will Hopoate (St Helens) 7/1, Jack Welsby (St Helens) 9/1, Mark Percival (St Helens) 10/1
Milestones:
Mark Percival is two short of 100 tries in his Super League career, while his Saints team-mate Konrad Hurrell needs one more for 100 in all competitions at senior level.
Sam Tomkins still needs just 10 points for a career haul of 1,500.
Previous meetings:
Round 11, 2023: Catalans Dragons 24, St Helens 12
Round 17, 2022: Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 18
Round 1, 2022: St Helens 28, Catalans Dragons 8
Grand Final, 2021: Catalans Dragons 10, St Helens 12
Round 23, 2021: Catalans Dragons 31, St Helens 30
Total Super League meetings: 42 (St Helens 25, Catalans 17, no draws)
But for their meek 34-6 loss to Hull FC in Round 16, Saints are on one of the best runs seen among Super League clubs all season, with eight wins coming in all competitions either side of that MKM Stadium defeat. While Paul Wellens' side haven't looked as convincing as in previous campaigns, they are moving ominously into place on the league ladder.
The Dragons seemed to be quietly going about dominating the race for the League Leaders' Shield until their stunning home loss to the struggling Huddersfield Giants last time out. Steve McNamara will be after an immediate response from his team as they look to stave off the season's surprise package, Leigh Leopards, and maintain top spot.
Sportsman stat: St Helens have won eight straight home fixtures against the Dragons, with Catalans' last success away to the champions coming back in April 2016.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
