MIS-QUOTED again! So said Shaun McRae on 'our best of the season' comments attributed to him after Saints' defeat at Bradford.

WHITTLE: Some fans thought your remarks were a little over the top considering Saints lacked attacking ideas in the second half and Bulls took the two points. Can you explain?

McRAE: What I did say was that the first 40 minutes was our best so far both tactically and defensively, while Saints' kick-and-chase game was superb throughout. As for attacking options, it was simply not a night for throwing the ball around given the incessant rain, and the fact that two of Bradford's tries came directly from close-in play-the-balls would tend to confirm that. Incidentally on studying the video referees' director Geoff Berry stated that Brian McDermott's try was a double movement, and we have also submitted 20 other areas of concern of the referee's performance to Mr. Berry. Sean Long came in for some 'stick' for missing a scoring chance, but it was a split-second decision to either kick ahead, gather, or dive and sadly - after his brilliant try previously -Sean lost the ball. On a positive note I was well pleased with the return of Apollo Perelini and Paul Sculthorpe and thought that Chris Joynt led from the front the full 80 minutes. Overall I believe Saints' performance at Odsal was a classic case of playing well without getting the result they wanted. What is certain is that the team could not be faulted for effort and commitment.

WHITTLE: Time was when, if a player was not producing the goods, he was dropped and replaced by an 'A' teamer, but not any longer. Why?

McRAE: Now that full-time professionalism is here the tendency is to confine selection to within the senior squad, which in Saints' case is 24-strong. The normal progression is for outstanding Alliance and Academy stars to be ultimately promoted to that squad. But obviously there are isolated occasions when a youngster will get his chance, ie because of injury or when first-teamers are on international duty.

WHITTLE: The Academy team were thrashed at Bradford in front of the television cameras and, in the wake of the defeat, there have been suggestions that several 'regulars' were rested for last night's Alliance match versus Wigan. True or false?

McRAE: Mike Gregory, Nick Halafihi and myself decided to leave out Scott Barrow, Paul Wellens, John Hamilton and Tony Stewart for the reason stated. But it should be remembered that Bradford do not have an 'A' team, so their options at Academy level are obviously greater. From Saints' point of view we do not see the Academy squad's pre-requisite as trophy winning, rather the emphasis is on development and acting as a feeder. WHITTLE: The Alliance side played some highly entertaining football against Widnes last week. Which beggars the question 'if 'A' team why not first team?

McRAE: Quite simply differences in ability, with the two levels being poles apart in pace, tightness of defence, and with it the limitation on attacking space.

WHITTLE: As at Huddersfield, it was obvious some Saints' players had difficulty keeping their feet in wet conditions on Sunday. A point that needs to be studied perhaps?

McRAE: No problems were reported to kit-man Stan Wall after a pre-match warm-up in conditions unusual for the time of year. However the Bulls were also slipping and sliding occasionally.

WHITTLE: It's welcome back time for Alan Hunte, Steve Prescott and Simon Booth on Sunday. But what of Saints' line-up to face the Sharks?

McRAE: Anthony Sullivan (knee) will be OK while Tommy Martyn (ankle) and Keiron Cunningham (groin) face fitness tests on Saturday.

WHITTLE: As the man in possession you must find all this talk of 'Malcolm Reilly for Saints disconcerting?

McRAE: No doubt Malcolm does! As I have no control over it there is no point in worrying, and I shall continue to do my best for Saints.

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