TWO of Saints' forward imports, Wayne McDonald and Peter Shiels, met the media at Knowsley Road this week -- and left a towering impression on everyone!

For Yorkshireman McDonald stands 6ft 7in with Aussie Shiels a 'mere' 6ft 5in, while both tip the scale at 17 stone.

A native of Leeds, 25-year-old Wayne will share with John Harrison the distinction of being the tallest player to wear a Saints first team jersey, as 6ft 9in Walter Rochford appeared only in the A team in the 1940s. McDonald, who was a member of the Scotland World Cup squad, enjoyed six seasons with Wakefield before joining Hull, for whom he scored the crucial try in last season's Challenge Cup win over Wigan. Out of contract at the Boulevard, where he was highly regarded by former Saints coach Shaun McRae, Wayne has signed a two-year deal and will make his debut in the friendly against Wigan at the JJB Stadium on Boxing Day.

Shiels (27) formerly played for Penrith Panthers, Western Suburbs and Newcastle Knights, and has 113 first grade appearances under his belt. He has signed a three-year contract and is set to make his debut in the club's second warm-up game at home to Warrington on New Year's Day, when fellow Aussie, David Fairleigh is due to arrive.

Meanwhile, Saints boss Ian Millward says he will rest captain Chris Joynt, Kevin Iro, Sean Long and Tommy Martyn for the Wigan clash but has not ruled out Leigh-based Mick Higham.

The unsettled hooker's future is still being discussed by his present club Leigh, Halifax and Saints, with whom he has been training this week. Winger Brian Carney and prop Francis Stephenson may make their debuts for Wigan

Peter Fox was at Knowsley Road on Monday in his role as agent for Paul Newlove, and told me 'Newy' suffered a debilitating illness recently, which prevented him from eating for a week and resulted in a weight loss of a stone. Happily, the Great Britain centre has made a good recovery and was on the training paddock as we spoke.

The club has released a video of the Grand Final triumph. Entitled 'Saints Uncovered', it encapsulates the complete story of the lifting of the trophy for a second successive time, from the build-up, the gripping 80 minutes in the Old Trafford cauldron, post-match celebrations and the ecstatic homecoming. Realistically priced at just £13.99, 'Saints Uncovered' is available at the superstore.