Barba’s cutting edge much too sharp for Cas

BEN BARBA blitzed sorry Castleford as St Helens flashed a title warning to the rest of Super League with a thumping victory.

Saints have not won or indeed reached the Grand Final since 2014 but a 22-0 interval advantage underlined their class.

It was the least they deserved for their stunning superiority.

Aussie full-back Barba touched down twice with a brilliant all-round display which confirmed Justin Holbrook’s men mean business this year.

After Barba’s opener, Zeb Taia, Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival added further scores before the break. Barba and Taia completed braces and Percival completed a hat-trick against a Tigers outfit who looked a pale shadow of the side who reached Old Trafford last October.

The only concern for Saints was the sight of Alex Walmsley hobbling off in the second half.

The England prop, who yesterday signed a new four-year deal after snubbing interest from leading NRL clubs, went off with a knock.

Castleford were the team to beat last year

ST HELENS CASTLEFORD

as they finished top for the first time in the 91-year history and secured a maiden Grand Final appearance.

They failed to turn up in that game and were soundly beaten by West Yorkshire neighbours Leeds.

After last night’s abject surrender, few will be placing any bets on Daryl Powell’s men returning to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Tigers were awful and the scars of that miserable loss to the Rhinos will surely take some healing.

Barba, who arrived at Saints midway through last season after serving a 12-match ban for cocaine use, tore down the left flank for an impressive opening score.

He was then involved in a delightful handling sequence which created a second for Tai before Lomax and Percival rammed home Saints’ superiority.

Paul McShane’s effort counted for little after Barba and Taia completed their doubles and Percival a treble.