MISSION accomplished! That was the ecstatic reaction of Saints' boss Shaun McRae as his team hit the Wembley trial after a testing semi-final with Widnes.

WHITTLE: Obviously the fans are also on Cloud Nine, but there were those who thought Saints made hard work of it. What say you?

McRAE: They are entitled to their view but for me it was a methodical, highly professional performance in which Saints kept to the game plan by and large, and earned the result we all wanted after a game which was a real test of nerve with so much at stake.

Comments from the Widnes camp during the week that Saints did not possess match-winners of the calibre of Wigan's Tuigamala and Paul merely served as a motivational spur to my team, as witness Paul Newlove, who won his battle with Mike Pechey hands down.

As for being placed on report following the intervention of a touch judge, I am happy to say that Paul was exonerated by referees' controller Greg McCallum, and it was pure media sensationalism to suggest that 'Newey' was in danger of missing out on Wembley.

As for talk of pre-match 'nerves,' surely that is a sign that a team has a fear of failure and are fully keyed up for the job in hand, and I was proud of the way Saints handled the pressure and took me to the Twin Towers after just four games as coach.

WHITTLE: The shock return of Alan Hunte certainly set tongues wagging. A calculated risk don't you think?

McRAE: It was, but one that paid off and it was a thousand pities that Alan suffered ankle ligament damage after all he has been through in the past 10 months. Joey Hayes was subjected to a rigorous fitness test on Thursday and it was the joint decision of the medical staff, myself and the player that he be left out. I explained to Danny Arnold that Hunte had got the vote on the basis of experience and, although disappointed, the talented youngster took the news in a thoroughly professional manner. WHITTLE: Rumour has it that the first team squad have gone missing from Knowsley Road - with your full approval! Can you explain?

McRAE: Yes, the answer quite simply is that they are taking a well-earned fortnight's holiday and will report back on Monday, March 25, in readiness for the first Super League game at Workington on the following Sunday.

Skipper Bobbie Goulding and his men have now reached two finals in as many months and need a break from the demands of full-time Rugby League, and the only regulars who will train in the next few days are Tommy Martyn, Dean Busby, Joey Hayes, Adam Fogerty and Andy Haigh, who are on the way back after injury,

WHITTLE: Still on Wembley history says that, along with other clubs, Saints have tended to field weakened teams once that goal has been reached. What is your view on that contentious issue?

McRAE: If a player is legitimately injured or doubtful obviously I reserve the right to decide on whether he plays or not. But with five Super League games in mind before Wembley I want my strongest squad on the park, for there is no way we can give the likes of Wigan a 10-point start in the table. However if there is any hint of complacency or not wanting to play before Wembley then that player might find himself left out of the squad.

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