Saints veteran Long loves the Challenge as he helps see off Leeds

Raising his game: St Helens scrum half Sean Long

Sean Long turned in another big-game performance for St Helens in this year's showcase semi-final and admitted: 'I seem to try a bit harder in the Challenge Cup.'

Now the veteran Saints scrum half can muse about the possibility of winning a fourth Lance Todd Trophy when the undoubted team of the Super League era go back to Wembley as hot favourites next month.

Saints have not lost a Challenge Cup tie since the 2005 semi-finals and are intent on completing a hattrick of triumphs on August 30 for their seventh victory in the last 13 years.

Significantly, for most of Saturday's match, Long's opposite number Rob Burrow was off the pitch at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium trying to clear his head after being knocked cold attempting to tackle Lee Gilmour.

Leeds also struggled to overcome the absence of Kiwi Test full back Brent Webb and injuries to stand off Danny McGuire and centre Clinton Toopi.

Long's quick hands and dancing feet set up an early try for Chris Flannery before Burrow was accidentally flattened and the Saints scrum half fashioned Leon Pryce's try just before the break.

Leeds looked beaten when Jon Wilkin scored a third Saints try seven minutes into the second half but they rallied bravely with back-to-back tries from Ali Lauitiiti and Scott Donald before a Long penalty and a converted try by Bryan Hargreaves finished them off.

Despite his good form, Long denied any desire to pull on an England jersey again, the 31-year-old instead choosing to heap praise on his opposite number.

'I still feel pretty young and pleased with my form but there will be no comeback,' he said. 'I've had my chance and done my best and, anyway, I think Rob Burrow is the best scrum half in England. '