EASTER joy, without doubt, but feet still firmly on the ground! That was the assessment of Saints' boss Shaun McRae following the epic wins over Wigan and Leeds.

WHITTLE: Have Saints' finally 'arrived' as the game's top club after being bridesmaids to Wigan for so long ? That is the 64,000-dollar question.

McRAE: First, by saying that while meticulous preparation is the key, it was no more thorough for the Wigan game than for any other, because I am a great believer in not changing things purely for the sake of change.

However, I have to say that strength of character is now on a high in the squad, particularly from the point of view of refusal to accept defeat which three victories in as many games would confirm.

But I was obviously not happy with our start against Wigan when we lost a lot of ball, missed too many tackles and failed to use a telling kicking game, which meant we trailed 16-4. But I always thought we were in with chance after settling down and playing out sets of six tackles.

On balance, it was a dream start in my first home game, and while I am determined to ensure that Friday's was not a one-off result it would be foolish to write off Wigan, because they are far too good a side for that, which makes Saints' performance all the more meritorious.

Moving onto Leeds I thought the lads were just as magnificent, given that they were tired and sore after the Wigan match, and what has been a real eye-opener for me is the way Saints' supporters get behind their team - what a crowd followed them to Headingley!

WHITTLE: Reports filtered through that Saints' enjoyed an overnight stay in Leeds on Sunday. What prompted this novel step for a league game?

McRAE: With the kick-off being at noon I thought it a good idea to have the team settled in an hotel just minutes from the ground, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then relax for a hour before the game - and it paid off. What's the old saying about the end justifying the means . . . WHITTLE: With the town in the grip of Wembley fever fervent fans are currently picking the line-up for you, with much of the controversy raging around the wing, stand-off, blind-side prop and loose-forward positions. Who'd be Shaun McRae?

McRAE: Me! Seriously though, I am all for the paying supporter having an opinion as long as it is constructive and then I will be happy to listen. But at the end of the day the final decision rests with me and I will content myself by saying that current form and fitness will be crucial to my choice. The pressure is on now at Knowsley Road and it is a good thing because it brings the best out of players and no one can afford to be complacent.

WHITTLE: Still on Wembley what is the situation regarding rule changes introduced for the Super League?

McRAE: I am delighted to say that all will be implemented for the Challenge Cup Final, which increases my selection options with four substitutes and six inter-changes. And of course we will also see the zero tackle, one-to-one ball stealing and change in the scrum-feed rules applied.

WHITTLE: Reports are gathering momentum that Cumbrian prop Jonathan Neill is playing 'out of his skin' in the Alliance team after returning to the club following a contract problem. Is he on course to regain his former senior spot?

McRAE: I would agree that Jonathan is making his presence felt and, despite not being on Saints' full-time register, he is obviously a first-team contender but it must be remembered that here again competition is intense, with Apollo Perelini and Andy Lathem the men currently in possession, while Ian Pickavance, Adam Fogerty and Derek McVey also come strongly into the reckoning.

WHITTLE: I get the impression that we are somewhere near a clean bill of health in the Knowsley Road dressing room. True or false?

McRAE: I would say that happy stage of affairs is virtually impossible to achieve in such a physically demanding game as Rugby League. What I can say is that Dean Busby is making slow progress from medial ligament damage and is doubtful for Wembley. Steve Prescott sustained a knock to the shoulder in the Wigan game and could miss the clash with Bradford, but on a more optimistic note Joey Hayes and Andy Haigh are expected to play in the Alliance team at Odsal tonight, Thursday. And finally Simon Booth has set his sights on a comeback at Halifax just five days before the trip to the Twin Towers.

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