OVERALL a sound performance in which several absentees returned to pass the ultimate fitness test. That was the considered conclusion of Saints' boss Shaun McRae following the win over Leeds.

WHITTLE: It's a cliche perhaps, but Sunday was a story of contrasting halves, don't you think?

McRAE: To a certain extent yes, but I do not accept that it was a below-par display by Saints, because I believe that with a little luck when Steve Prescott chased Bobbie Goulding's chip and when Paul Newlove lost the ball we could have led 24-6 at half-time, despite facing a gale-force wind. In that event fans would have probably said Saints had done well, and although the early part of the second half was what Aussies call an 'arm-wrestler' with neither side giving an inch, Saints got it right in the end.

I would also ask our critics to remember that we had Joey Hayes, Scott Gibbs and Andy Leathem coming back after long-term injury, while Anthony Sullivan, Chris Joynt, Vila Matautia, Tommy Martyn and Simon Booth had to sit this one out. Our problems were compounded when skipper Bobbie Goulding and Alan Hunte had to be replaced, and while conceding that Leeds were also below strength I was happy in scoring 42 points and also with our defence against a team fighting relegation.

However, no coach worth his salt is ever totally satisfied, and surrendering possession seven times in the first half and the same number in the next 13 minutes will not do for me, while just two further handling errors and 30 points in 17 minutes tells you something about ball retention.

WHITTLE: I understand that the Rugby League's drugs-tester called at Knowsley Road before the game against Leeds. Can you elaborate on this?

McRAE: There was nothing sinister in it because his visit was in line with the game's policy in regard to the possible use of 'foreign' substances. Danny Arnold's was the number drawn when the random selection was made and he readily agreed to the test. Although I do not believe that the taking of drugs is rife in Rugby League I fully support the official stance on the matter, whether it be performance-enhancers such as steroids or 'recreational' substances like cannabis

WHITTLE: The game's grapevine is hot with rumour that New Zealand-based prop Julian O'Neill is bound for Knowsley Road. What do you know about this, or is it pure speculation?

McRAE: My assessment of Julian has been confined to video but I am aware that he will be out-of-contract with Auckland Warriors at the end of the season and is highly-regarded by New Zealand coach Frank Endacott, whom I was assistant to last year. Saints have expressed an interest in 21-year-old O'Neill, and although Warrington are also in the frame for his services indications are that Julian likes Saints' style of play and would like to come to Knowsley Road.

WHITTLE: With the Super League title issue on a knife-edge as Saints' strive to keep one point ahead of Wigan, would you agree that your team faces a stern test of its championship credentials at Bradford tomorrow night? McRAE: Indeed I would, particularly in view of the fact that the Bulls are also in contention - albeit marginally - and the fact that Wigan still have to travel to Odsal makes for a very interesting situation as clubs prepare to enter the final straight of the Super League race. However, with the Knowsley Road treatment room resembling a casualty clearing station this week I would not hazard a guess at this stage as to what Saints' squad will be. But what I can say is that we will be under-strength for what promises to be a very hard game against the most improved side in the British set-up.

Bradford will naturally be thirsting for revenge following our victories over them at Knowsley Road and at Wembley, while former Saints' stars Bernard Dwyer, Paul Loughlin and Sonny Nickle will not be short on motivation, although the latter pair may be absent for disciplinary reasons.

Like the rest of the Rugby League world I have the highest regard for the capabilities of Bulls' coach Brian Smith, who tutored me in Rugby League skills when at school and then offered me a job as his assistant at St. George in 1995.

But our friendship will be placed on hold for 80 minutes at Odsal because Saints can expect no favours and will grant none for their destiny lies very much in their own hands _ we have to keep on winning, it is as easy or as difficult as that!

WHITTLE: Having climbed down from your soapbox what is the report from the front as you survey the walking-wounded list?

McRAE: Remarkably no fewer than four players are currently sidelined by ankle ligament damage ie skipper Bobbie Goulding, his deputy Chris Joynt, Alan Hunte and Simon Booth. Goulding and Booth are ruled out at Bradford, as are Anthony Sullivan (dead leg) and Tommy Martyn (torn stomach muscles). Vila Matautia (achilles tendon) is in the 'doubtful' category, and although Dean Busby is back in the Alliance team tonight after knee damage he will be not be risked at Odsal.

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