Sean Long gave Hull's fans a tantalising glimpse of their future and a stark reminder of their present as he inspired St Helens to a record-equalling 30-6 engage Super League win at the KC Stadium.

The mercurial scrum-half, one of the most decorated and recognisable players of the modern era, announced on Monday that he would be joining Hull at the end of the season after 12 years with the Saints, but there was no suggestion of any divided loyalties for the 32-year-old as he inspired Mick Potter's side to a fifth successive win.

The victory was also their 15th straight success away from home, equalling a record set by Bradford in 1997, and brought about a ninth defeat in 11 outings for his future employers who have been crying out for someone of his creativity in the half-back position for the last two years.

They must wait another six months for that to become a reality, though, and were forced to watch on as Long had a hand in five of Saints' six tries, three of which were scored by Paul Wellens to take his current scoring run to 10 in six games.

Having secured a fourth successive Challenge Cup final appearance last weekend, the Saints started off sluggishly and were forced to absorb some early Hull pressure before opening the scoring through Jonny Lomax.

The teenager's score, his first in senior rugby, came after a flowing move that involved Long, although the man of the moment was unable to convert from the touchline.

Better was to come from the former Great Britain international who was soon creating a try for Wellens with a slick inside ball following an even better break from the equally impressive Jon Wilkin. Long found his range on this occasion.

The 10-point deficit between the two sides woke up Hull and they nearly scored after an off-the-cuff move involving three players that ended up with Chris Thorman, their current and beleaguered scrum-half, being held close to the line.

Their persistence was soon rewarded, though, as Danny Tickle, the only man to score in every round of this season's competition, went over following a forward-looking pass from Richard Horne. Tickle converted with ease.

Saints then showed their champion qualities to score before the break, with Wellens darting over moments after Long had opened his box of tricks once more with a weaving run.

The visitors remained in the ascendancy after the restart yet had to wait until the 53rd minute to post a fourth try.

Inevitably Long was at the heart of the action, putting up a high bomb that appeared destined to go out on the full until it bounced within an inch of the whitewash and sprung backwards into the arms of Wellens who gratefully completed a first hat-trick of the season.

Saints' dominance continued as Kieron Cunningham, one of only two players to have played in all 15 away wins, went close, before Long laid on simple try for Lee Gilmour which leaves him on 49 for the club.

Long failed with the goal, but was able to slot his third of the game with five minutes remaining after he and Matty Ashurst had combined to send Maurie Fa'asavalu cantering over for a score that completed Hull's misery.