A WHOLE new ball game! That's how Saints' boss Shaun McRae views the exciting future for the code as his Cup Final squad return on Monday to prepare for the launch of the Super League. WHITTLE: Without doubt, it's a time of change for everyone involved in the game, don't you think?

McRAE: Absolutely, and no more so than at Knowsley Road where we have a brand new era and a coach still feeling his way, who has yet to see a first team home game after two months in the job.

However, that will be put partly to rights when our Alliance team entertain Hull on Thursday, March 28, when I hope to give some of the 25-man senior squad a run in readiness for the big Super League kick-off at Workington the following Sunday.

Naturally, Wembley is on everyone's lips and I can assure fans that every player is in contention for a place, including Tommy Martyn, who is raring to go following major knee surgery, and the same can be said for Ian Pickavance, Adam Fogerty, Dean Busby and Andy Haigh, who have also been dogged by injury.

But, at the risk of repetition, I would ask fans to remember that we have five Super League games before Saturday, April 27, and the Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final will remain largely on the back-burner until then.

WHITTLE: Given the 'freezing' of Super League in Australia until the year 2000, don't you think our competition should be renamed purely 'Summer League' in that it is no more than the original format plus Paris?

McRAE: No I don't, because the game over here needed a new image, and for me the ultimate global vision of Super League is an exciting concept which heralds a brave new world for English Rugby League, with the promise of better weather, crowds hopefully basking in the sun and enjoying a full day's entertainment, including Academy games.

And with the Australian court due to reconsider the current ban in May there is still a chance of a play-off system 'Down Under' come September, and it is my belief that the original Super League plan is far from dead and buried.

WHITTLE: Rumour has it that Derek McVey is on his way. Can you clarify the situation? McRAE: Derek, his wife and child are due here at the weekend after he had a round trip of 1,200 miles from Newcastle to Canberra to obtain a visa for his 'better half.' A former Sydney Tigers prop, McVey is coming on a two-year contract but he has not played since August, so I would ask fans to be patient as he strives for match fitness. However there is a chance that he may be on the subs' bench for the Alliance squad next Thursday.

WHITTLE: Has there been any movement on Mike Gregory taking up his post as assistant coach?

McRAE: Mike is on record as saying his playing days are over and wants to go into coaching, but was happy to stay on Salford's register until his contract expired in June. But David Howes was told by the Rugby League on Tuesday that the terms of that contract must be honoured in full. So it would appear that we will have to wait a few months for 'Greg.'

WHITTLE: It may be a cynical view, but many supporters say that they can tell when Saints have scored by the armada of back-up staff who flood onto the field from the bench. What is your opinion?

McRAE: Simply that they are all necessary given the need for sand; to deal with injuries; carry messages, and help to maintain fluid levels in such a high-speed game as Rugby League, with the latter point set to become even more pertinent in summer conditions. The days of the man with the 'magic sponge' are as dead as the do-do - the modern day game calls for much more than that.

WHITTLE: On behalf of everyone at Knowsley Road can I offer a word of welcome to your wife and family, whom I understand arrived at the weekend?

McRAE: Thank you very much, and I am delighted to say that Jaqui and our sons, Christopher, Scott and Leigh, have settled well and have been made to feel at home by the friendly people of St.Helens.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.