REGAN Grace admits it is time to put sights and sounds into action and get St Helens to Super League's Grand Final.

The sights from their defeat to Wigan which meant they did not keep the League Leaders’ Shield for a third successive season.

The sounds from what James Graham barks at him and his team-mates as he seeks a fairytale farewell from rugby league.

Grace and the rest of Kristian Woolf’s side had the pleasure of finding out they will face Catalans Dragons by watching TV.

But motivation to get to Hull on Friday week then make it a second straight title win is far from lacking – both in their own frustration and desire to send England legend Graham into retirement a winner.

And even though he is a prop while Grace is a winger, the impact is the same as he said: “That defeat actually could be a good thing as we learned a lot from the game.

“It’s things like how we need to control tight games. There were real lessons to learn before even bigger games coming up.

“And finishing second is motivation. We competed hard to win the League Leaders’ shield again but fell short.

“In the play-offs, the mindset changes as it’s a knockout game – you’ve got to be switched on for the full 80 minutes.

“It was strange finding out who we were playing by watching TV but we had an idea of what to expect as all four teams who played have a similar style.

“But throughout the second half of the season we’ve been preparing to play one team, then two days before the game it switched.

“And sending James out as a winner would be a fitting end for him. He’s been brilliant to play alongside, he’s class. I never thought I’d be taking to the field with him.

“He’s a real leader, he just works his arse off. Even though he’s a prop, I’ve learned things I can take into my game. It what he says, he talks to everyone during matches.

“And it’s what he sees, what he says and what he does.”

Wales star Grace, 23, has dazzled on the pitch this season as St Helens look to defend their Super League crown.

But he hopes to make a bigger impact off the field and is in the process of setting up a brand, with reality TV star sister Lateysha able to help.

He also feels more Super League stars should look into setting themselves up, adding: “I’m working on branding myself and doing more off-field stuff.

“It’s early stages but I’ve people behind me backing me and I’m getting other people involved.

“Normally, you’re so focussed on playing things, opportunities can pass you by but a lot of people want to know what players are like off the field.

“This is a good opportunity to do that and Lateysha has made a success of things like her brand awareness.

“I could take a few things from what she’s done and her brand.”

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