BEN Barba’s Super League stint has come to a heartbreaking end after St Helens’ Super League title hopes were dashed in a shock 18-13 semi-final loss to Warrington.

Barba, who joins North Queensland in 2019 on a one-year deal, was left visibly distraught after Wolves winger Tom Lineham scored two tries on his return from suspension to help his side stun the title favourites in what was one of the most thrilling games of the season.

The lead changed hands four times before the Wolves clinched victory at the Totally Wicked Stadium to reach their fourth Grand Final in seven years.

Barba breaks down in loss 1:16

Warrington will now have a chance to lift the Super League trophy for the first time in Australian coach Steve Price’s maiden season in charge when they take on Wigan or Castleford at Old Trafford next Saturday.

It brought an abrupt end to the season for St Helens, who led from start to finish in the regular campaign and, after beating the Wolves three times, finished 15 points in front of them in the final table.

Previous results counted for little, however, and Warrington will be thankful they opted to fight Lineham’s initial three-match ban imposed for a high tackle against Wigan.

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Had the suspension not been reduced, the former Hull winger would not have had the opportunity to punish the Saints defence with two superbly taken second-half tries that decided a dramatic affair.

“It was heartbreaking,” Saints coach Justin Holbrook said post-game.

“It was a good and tough game but we didn’t create enough opportunities. Obviously the scoreline shows there wasn’t much in it; we kept nudging in front but made a couple of poor decisions defensively and credit to Warrington they took the ones they created.

“If we played a bit better and defended a bit better … but we didn’t. They took a few opportunities and we made poor decisions. That was the difference in the game.”

Price said he was “super proud” of his troops.

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“We spoke all week about needing all 17 players to contribute their best game of the season and they certainly did that,” he said.

“To keep St Helens to one try on their own pitch was a super effort, the way we kept turning them away from our line was superb.

“They’ve been the number one offensive team and the most consistent team all season and to come here and produce a performance like that makes me so happy.

“We need a performance like that next week, we need to raise the bar again.”

WARRINGTON WOLVES 18 (T.Lineham 2, J.Hughes tries; T.Roberts 3 goals) bt ST HELENS 13 (L.Doughlas try; D.Richardson 3 goals, 3 field goals) at Totally Wicked Stadium.