MISSION accomplished and a very proud man! That was the reaction of Saints' boss Shaun McRae after his team lifted the Super League title in defeating Warrington.

WHITTLE: A fitting reward both for a team in which consistency has been the hallmark, and also for wonderful fans who have remained loyal through good times and bad. Agreed?

McRAE: Absolutely! As to the game itself I have to say that the final margin was one that I did not expect, but on further reflection every one of the 17-strong squad gave their all in forcing Warrington into early errors via a great defensive effort, and therefore set the platform for a points bonanza. A 38-8 advantage in the second half confirms that Saints held most of the aces of skill, power and strength, as Wire's coach John Dorahy graciously acknowledged after the game in describing Saints as the best team in the Super League competition. It is always good to get off to a 'flyer' and force the opposition to play catch-up rugby and this Saints did courtesy of Karle Hammond, Joey Hayes and ultimate try-scorer Tommy Martyn. All my players were worthy of the highest praise and I was particularly delighted by the form of Adam Fogerty and young Chris Morley, who has matured considerably over the last few weeks. To summarise the Warrington epic was a victory for true professionalism and it is great to think that Saints have made it to the top after coping with the pressure of having to leapfrog over Wigan in the last six weeks.

* WHITTLE: Remembering that you are not a man to hog the limelight, a lot of credit for Saints' soaring success should nevertheless be pointed in your direction, and your nomination as Coach of the Year supports this belief. Care to comment?

McRAE: My coaching philosophy is simply to try to improve any team under my care, and when I arrived at Saints' they had been very close to winning silverware and were obviously a sleeping giant just waiting to be roused. This I have tried to do, and I am aware that some supporters believe I have added the necessary steel to bring trophies to Knowsley Road, and while I appreciate their remarks I can only say that I have conformed to the coaching ethos instilled into me by top Australians Tim Sheens and Bobby Fulton. Help make people successful and you will be the same yourself, prepare well, have faith in your ability and do your best _ they have been my guiding principles, with the bottom line being that you are judged by results and at Saints, as everywhere else , that means trophies! WHITTLE: Having had their appetites whetted with two cups fans are now asking the burning question 'can Saints make it to Old Trafford?"

McRAE: Understandably the lads have let their hair down a bit since Sunday, so it is now my job to re-group and re-focus them on the job in hand, and that is the daunting challenge of London Broncos on Sunday. Some statisticians might think it is Broncos turn to win after losing two cliff-hangers against us this season but Saints will have something to say about that! In fact London coach Tony Currie firmly believes that his side were desperately unlucky in both games and he is entitled to his opinion, but obviously I do not agree with him. What I do know is that Saints can take nothing for granted as they go for the treble.

WHITTLE: First Super League season done and dusted! A penny for your thoughts?

McRAE: Definitely a case of great expectations achieved as far as I am concerned, with expansion the keynote both on and off the field thanks to television ratings reaching an all-time high; grounds in superb condition with no quagmires and no consequent cancellations, with high skill levels another spin-off. Here at Saints the fans have loved it as an average 10,000 gate (an increase of 2,500) would confirm. But the best yardstick of Super League is to ask the players, I have yet to meet one who wishes to go to back to winter rugby with all its climatic hazards of sleet, snow, ice and fog.

WHITTLE: Being asked to become involved in the preparation of the New Zealand team for the Test series against Great Britain was another feather in your cap. Why did you decline the invitation?

McRAE: The background to this is that, having worked with Kiwi coach Frank Endacott before, I was naturally flattered when he asked me to fly out to New Zealand around September 20 until the middle of November. But my refusal was because I need a break and, more importantly, my first duty is to Saints who re-start training in November.

WHITTLE: The rumour roadshow rumbles on with the latest gem being that Hull centre Tevita Vaikona has been spotted in a local gymnasium, while Warrington stay-away Iestyn Harris was being courted by Saints' officials on Sunday. Any comment?

McRAE: The signing grapevine certainly gets better by the minute, and all I can add is that Vaikona, or anyone else for that matter, has a perfect right to been in St. Helens, but if it is true I can understand the speculation. As for Harris yes, he was in the stand for the Warrington match which was perfectly understandable given that he is still with that club.

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