This can be our springboard to Super things... Stobart Super League Leeds Rhinos v St Helens Tonight, Headingley, 8pm Saints start their assault on the title.

Byline: JOHN LAWLESS

ST HELENS will be looking to put their Challenge Cup exit behind them when they take on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley tonight.

It was the first time this century Saints have failed to make the semis of the game's oldest cup competition and the fact it was arch-rivals Wigan that knocked them out in last week's quarter-final makes it all the harder to swallow.

Saints' New Zealand international Lance Hohaia believes his side is ready to begin a full-on assault on the Super League crown starting this evening against a team they brushed aside 46-6 at Langtree Park earlier this season.

He said: "In the last four or five weeks we've made some steps in the right direction in terms of team performances.

"We probably missed some opportunities against Wigan last week and it's disappointing to be out of the Cup but Super League is still up for grabs.

"We played Leeds at home six or seven weeks ago and did a really good job against them.

"But we're ready for a battle.

"Leading up to the Wigan game we probably had some easier games and Wigan really gave it to us.

"Under pressure I don't think we handled it too well.

"This week I'm sure things will be different - we've learnt a little bit from that.

"This time round it's Monday night and we'll be ready to go."

Saints will be hoping their pack can get on top of the Leeds six and allow key playmakers James Roby, Jonny Lomax and Hohaia the space to exploit frailties in the opposition backfield.

Hohaia has recently reverted to his preferred stand-off role and is looking to his side's midfield pivots click into gear in more cohesive style than they managed against Wigan.

He added: "I'm still finding my feet within the team and I've spoken to Jonny, Robes and Wello about our partnerships.

"We all agree we can do better there and ultimately how well we play is going to determine the strength of the team on most occasions.

"It's a lot of responsibility in that area and me being the new addition to the team, I still don't think I've hit top form yet.

"I'm finding my way and feeeling more comfortable within the team.

"I think there are good things to come." Tonight's encounter sees last year's grand-finalists going head-to-head but neither side has had things all their own way so far in Super League XVII.

Saints lay in sixth place going into this week's round of matches with the Rhinos two places further down.

Both teams have had timely injury boosts, with Leeds welcoming back centre Kallum Watkins and experienced forward Tony Puletua returning for Saints. Both have been out since Easter with knee and shoulder problems.

Two of rugby league's longest serving and most respected players will be hoping to reach significant career milestones tonight. Full-back Paul Wellens needs two tries to make a total of 200 for St Helens, while Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfiled is just one point shy of 3,000 for the club.

LAST 10 St Helens 46, Leeds 6 (SLR8, 25/3/12) Leeds 32, St Helens 16 (SLGF, 8/10/11) (at Old Trafford, Manchester) St Helens 42, Leeds 16 (SLR16, 3/6/11) Leeds 16, St Helens 30 (SLR6, 19/3/11) Leeds 32, St Helens 28 (CCSF, 7/8/10) (at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield) Leeds 28, St Helens 24 (SLR20, 3/7/10) St Helens 41, Leeds 20 (SLR12, 24/4/10) Leeds 18, St Helens 10 (SLGF, 10/10/09) (at Old Trafford, Manchester) Leeds 18, St Helens 10 (SLR26, 4/9/09) Leeds 18, St Helens 22 (CCR4, 5/4/09) Super League summary: Leeds won 23 (includes wins in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 Grand Finals; 1998 and 2005 play-offs) St Helens won 26 (includes wins in 1999, 2001, 2007 and 2008 play-offs) Leeds highest score: 74-16 H, 2001 (Widest margin: 70-0, H, 2004); St Helens highest score: 62-18 H, 1999 (Widest margin: 56-10, H, 2004)

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MORE OF THE SAME: Lance Hohaia scores against Leeds earlier this season