KNOWSLEY Road was a venue fit for heroes on Sunday when Super League champs Saints came marching home - complete with the Grand Final Trophy!

The atmosphere was one of carnival on a sunny afternoon as the Saints' 'family' bedecked in red-and-white, and ranging from babes-in-arms, dolly birds, young bucks to senior citizens, paid homage to the squad that conquered arch-rivals Wigan.

Dancing girls, foot-tapping music, and the frolicking St. Bernard united to maintain the mood of euphoria among the 10,000 crowd on one of Knowsley Road's greatest days, with the homecoming comparable with a Wembley Final.

The magical moment fans had been waiting for arrived just after 2pm when, led by chairman Howard Morris, skipper Chris Joynt's gladiators emerged from the tunnel to a rapturous welcome.

Taking centre stage on the half-way line, the players were introduced to the adoring throng by commentator Alan Rooney, with 'Joynty' declaring: 'I've enjoyed nine tremendous seasons at Saints and hope to be here for a long time yet.' Coach Ian Millward was also accorded a thunderous reception for instilling self-belief into a Saints' side unanimous that they enjoyed their rugby during the Millennium season, but the deeply emotional point was yet to come.

For it was time to say farewell to Western Samoan cult figures Apollo Perelini and Fereti Tuilagi, who are bound for Rugby Union with Leicester Tigers and Sale, and there was many a misty eye as they took their leave of the crowd.

'It's sad to be going because I am adopted son of St. Helens, but I will continue to live here and have joined the Past Players Association,' said Apollo, while Tuilagi said he had been treated like a brother, and characteristically declared 'don't worry and be happy.'

Then, much to the delight of the enthralled crowd and aided and abetted by Perelini, a bare-footed, bare-chested 'Freddie' sporting sun-glasses cavorted throughout Knowsley Road for a traditional Samoan war dance.

'Auld Lang Syne' and Saints' version of the Anfield anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' provided a fitting if tear-jerking end to the day the Saints' returned in triumph from Old Trafford - before the partying restarted into the wee small hours!