THE reading of the Riot Act obviously had the desired effect said Shaun McRae as he welcomed Saints' return to winning ways at Halifax.
WHITTLE: Pride and passion regained, with a big thank-you to the youngsters who stepped into the injury breach. So said Saints' loyal fans as they streamed out of Thrum Hall on Sunday. A view you no doubt agree with?
McRAE: To a degree yes, but I still believe that while Saints' recent performances have warranted criticism some of it has been over the top, because memories have been conveniently short when it is remembered that we have been under tremendous pressure every time we took the field due to the injury bug. However, there were several positive signs in Saints' showing at Thrum Hall. not least the re-appearance of commitment and will-to-win which was lacking in the Wigan debacle - the worst display I have witnessed in my career! As far as 'teenagers Jason Johnson, Alan Cross, Richard Shiel and Scott Barrow were concerned I have to say that it was not my intention to select them but, needs must. They all turned up trumps, as did Kevin O'Loughlin, who is a little older. I know some supporters were surprised by the shock return of Alan Hunte but the intention was for him to play against Auckland tomorrow, and although Alan was a little tired after being out for six weeks I believe the gamble was justified. It was also good to see Bobbie Goulding back to something like his best in orchestrating the victory and Julian O'Neill continues to prove that he is a grafting if unspectacular prop, which is why Saints brought him all the way from New Zealand. However, without detracting one iota from Saints' success I have to say that we caught Halifax on the rebound from the galling defeat by Bradford, and also on the night before flying out to Australia, which Saints also do on the morning after they have faced Fax at Knowsley Road on Sunday, July 13. Not an omen, I hope! Another parting shot on our visit to Thrum Hall is thank God it is our last, because the old place is simply not up to Super League standards. WHITTLE: Armed with your knowledge of the Australian game what are the chances of English clubs in the World Club Challenge competition?
McRAE: On the premise that the game has improved in this country, particularly from a pace point-of-view, I think several teams, including Saints, are capable of springing a surprise or two on their own grounds. The testing time will come when they have to visit the Antipodes, and although I am not a gambling man I wouldn't mind a few bob or either Brisbane Broncos or my old club Canberra Raiders to lift the unique trophy.
WHITTLE: Do you think Saints will be "talking" to any overseas stars while they are over here for the World Club championship?
McRAE: Not a chance - for the very good reason we can't afford them! Australian top-liners such as Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley earn two and three times as much as Great Britain stars, and much of the blame for this escalation in contracts as a lot to do with wrangle between Super League and the ARL.
WHITTLE: Looking ahead to the return trip Down Under next month will you be including any 'surprises packages' in the Saints' squad, given that Tommy Martyn and possibly others may miss out through injury?
McRAE: The current situation is that a 21-strong senior squad will be paid for by News Corporation, but the Saints' players have been organising fund-raising events in order that the other three may travel and that includes Paul Newlove, despite media stories that he doesn't like flying! WHITTLE: What is the immediate position with regard to Tommy Martyn?
McRAE: Tommy will enter Fairfield Hospital for a second knee reconstruction on Tuesday, July 1, and it is matter of considerable regret to all at Saints that he is obviously ruled out for the rest of the season.
WHITTLE: Staying on the injury front what is the overall report at Knowsley Road as Saints prepare for a tilt at the World Club Challenge which, realistically, appears to be the only other 'pot' available to them?
McRAE: First and foremost Bobbie Goulding has put an impending hernia on the back-burner operation for the next few weeks as Saints make their bid for global glory. However, Paul Newlove's hamstring tear is proving slow to heal and he could miss all three of Saints' home matches in the competition, and the news is no more encouraging with regard to Derek McVey's ankle damage. But, on the other side of the coin, Saints' supporters should soon be welcoming back winger Joey Hayes.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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