Gilmour keen to savour occasion

At 29, Gilmour is nowhere near bringing the curtain down on his career. But when he steps out for the Saints against Leeds in the tenth Grand Final on Saturday, it will bring back memories of when he faced Leeds for Wigan in the first ever final in 1998.

"It was only after we qualified that I actually remembered that I was there for the first final," he admits. "I don't quite feel that old but it did make me wonder where the time has gone in between."

Though time has been kind to the Great Britain international, who has lifted the trophy for Wigan in 1998, Bradford in 2001 and St Helens last year as well as four Challenge Cups along the way.

"I've been lucky enough to play in quite a few finals now and it's obviously the pinnacle of your game," he said. "I feel blessed to have been in the 1998 final and I feel extremely privileged to be here this time around.

"It's got to the point now where I enjoy occasions like this."

With St Helens just 80 minutes away from securing back-to-back trebles, the forward believes that Daniel Anderson's side is the best team he has played in.

He said: "We've done well over the last few years, but that's gone now and this is another challenge. The lads have worked hard all season, not to win a trophy from last year but to win this one.

"I don't think any team will ever dominate like Wigan used to, but I suppose it is in the back of your mind that if we can do the treble again then we can do something really special, but that's something that you've got to worry about after the game.

"The Wigan team of 98 that I played in was a really good team, the team at Bradford in 2001 was an excellent side but the Saints team that we've put together over the last year has to be the best that I've played in. A team can be judged by its results and to have won the trophies that we have makes us the best team."