FORMER Saints captain Keiron Cunningham hailed the return of the good old days after watching his side secure a 10th trip to Old Trafford for next week's Grand Final.

Cunningham was at the heart of Saints' run of success in the first decade of Super League and, as assistant coach, was thrilled with their 30-12 victory over a tired Catalan Dragons side in the first semi-final.

"It seems like the good old days," said Cunningham. "We are at the big dance and the boys deserve it. Against all the adversity with the players we've lost, I'm proud as punch for the boys."

It is eight years since St Helens won the last of their five Super League titles but they will fancy their chances of making it six when they take on either Wigan or Warrington on Saturday week.

The Dragons threatened to repeat their surprise play-off away wins over Leeds and Huddersfield when full-back Morgan Escare scored his 29th try of the season to open the scoring but Saints turned around 12-6 in front after loose forward Jordan Turner scored one try and helped create another for winger Adam Swift.

Back rower Willie Manu's try, on his final home appearance, early in the second half killed off the visitors and prop Mose Masoe and centre Mark Percival added solo efforts as fatigue set in among the French team.

"Defensively they were great," Cunningham added. "Catalan are a good side but we scrambled so well.

"We knew if we just stuck to the game plan we could eventually grind Catalan down. They've had a really difficult task but we knew if we kick ball long, chase hard and make tackles, we would get the result.

"We started a little nervous but the atmosphere was great and the players are really wanting it.

"The players leaving makes it a bit more special."