Image source, Getty Images

Just what was it like to be part of a Leeds squad looking towards the bottom of the table rather than the top as the season got going?

Rhinos captain Kruise Leeming knows how that felt and it's for that reason that tonight's appearance is that much sweeter.

"We were 11th in the table and we were watching Toulouse's scores. That's the honest truth. People were murmuring saying 'what's going on here?'," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"There wasn't a doubt in the players we had. I feel like it was just a team very low on confidence.

"When Rohan came in he sprinkled some systems and knowledge in there. He kept us neutral and it was always about next week, we never rested on our laurels. We gained this momentum. Whether we'd played good or bad, it was gone."

Image source, Rex Features

St Helens could go down in the history books tonight as they pursue a record-breaking fourth consecutive Super League Grand Final title.

So, have Saints let this fact play on their minds in the run up to tonight's fixture?

"We're aware it's never been done before. It's at the back of our minds but at the same time we've got to go out and perform as best as we can," Saints captain James Roby told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"When we know what's at stake, winning a Grand Final would be an amazing achievement but there's that added motivation that we're not just winning a normal Grand Final, it would be a fourth which has never been done.

"Potentially you could then get regarded as one of the best teams of all time so it's there and it's a massive motivating factor. We've got to keep that balance. We can get excited about it but we've got to do the job in the first place."

So who is going to win tonight? Will it be four in a row for Saints or 12 wins from 14 games for Leeds to win the biggest prize in domestic rugby league?

Have your say this evening using #bbcrl on Twitter.

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales international on BBC Radio 5 Live

Leeds might have come in with unbelievable momentum, because everyone had written them off.

But I still think they will have to play their best game of the season to win tonight.

Saints have been the better side all season and maybe have a bit more star quality.

Leeds have got to really perform to get the result.

It's going to be very, very interesting.

The kicking game is going to be vital and it will be about keeping possession and playing in the right areas.

Matt Newsum
BBC rugby league commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, PA Media

There are few more evocative, senses-twitching moments than the roar which greets kick-off on Super League Grand Final day at Old Trafford.

Today's final features two teams whose players will provide an intense encounter, and whose support will certainly generate a buzz befitting the occasion.

St Helens have the chance to make history in Super League as they bid for a fourth straight Grand Final success, in Kristian Woolf's final game in charge.

Veteran skipper James Roby matches Jamie Peacock's 11 final appearances and could collect a sixth ring and a chance to hoist the trophy for a fourth time in succession.

However, he will know Leeds Rhinos are truly Saints' Grand Final 'kryptonite', having been on the losing side to them in four out of five consecutive lost showpieces between 2007 and 2011. Bitter rivals Wigan accounted for Saints on the other occasion.

While the shoe has been on the other foot in terms of form - Leeds have lost the last 11 meetings with Saints - they arrive at the 'Theatre of Dreams' in remarkable form with 11 wins from 13 to end the campaign under Rohan Smith.

And, they've been here before. Won it from fifth place twice already. This would be a momentous hat-trick.

The storylines are there to be written. It will be a test of heart, resolve, skill and temperament. Muscle memory versus momentum. Bring it on.

Image source, PA Media

Leeds come into the Super League Grand Final carrying a formidable record, having won 11 of 13 games coming into tonight's encounter.

Rohan Smith has transformed their fortunes since his arrival, with the Rhinos starting poorly under Richard Agar.

But Smith has plenty of belief in his side as they look to upset St Helens' party.

"We have such versatility in our group that sometimes it's about finding the horse for the course on the day," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We're still working through that and we've practised in a few different ways. We've got versatility and belief no matter which way we settle. We've got a lot of different combinations so it's no problem."

Image source, PA Media

Kristian Woolf will depart St Helens after tonight, following an extremely successful three seasons with the club.

But how will he feel about leaving the club as he prepares to return to Australia to join newly-formed NRL side the Dolphins?

"It's not about me at all, it's about this group of men. They've been working really hard for this opportunity not just for 12 months but a number of years to put themselves in this situation and give themselves this opportunity," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I'm just lucky to be part of a small group that want to work hard, want to compete, want success and are willing to put themselves in a position to do that."

St Helens captain James Roby equals Leeds legend Jamie Peacock's record of 11 Grand Final appearances as he starts the game at hooker.

And it's no surprise that, after escaping a two-match ban after a second appeal in midweek, Morgan Knowles starts at loose forward for the champions.

Leeds welcome back Rhyse Martin from his own two-match suspension and winger Ash Handley is fit to return after a foot injury.

Cameron Smith, normally a loose forward, gets the nod to replace Aidan Sezer, who is unavailable after failing a head injury assessment in the Rhinos' semi-final win at Wigan, and partners Blake Austin at half-back.

Before we go any further, let's take a look at tonight's two line-ups.

St Helens: Bennison, Makinson, Hurrell, Percival, Hopoate, Welsby, Lomax, Paasi, Roby, Lees, Batchelor, Sironen, Knowles.

Interchanges: Mata'utia, Lussick, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Wingfield.

Leeds: Myler, Briscoe, Hardaker, Sutcliffe, Handley, Austin, Smith, Oledzki, O'Connor, Prior, Martin, Bentley, Tetevano.

Interchanges: Thompson, Walters, Leeming, Donaldson.

BBC Radio Leeds summariser Francis Cummins played for Leeds in the first Super League Grand Final.

And he has been talking to James Deighton about the experience.

Image source, PA Media

Only 80 minutes stand between these rugby league heavyweights and glory.

And history beckons for both clubs.

For St Helens, the chance to become the first side to win four Grand Finals in a row.

For Leeds, the opportuity to be crowned champions after a fifth-place finish in the league for the third time.

And for both, the bragging rights over the rest of their domestic opposition as the only club to win nine titles in the Super League era.

Image source, SWpix.com

After 27 rounds of league games and four play-off matches, it all comes down to this.

The Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos for the right to be called champions.

Expect fireworks. Expect intensity. Expect big hits.

Kick-off is only 30 minutes away.