AFTER amicably agreeing to part company with the Saints last week, I would like to comment on my time at the club.

Thanks must go to the Saints for appointing me in May, 1996. After starting with a blank piece of paper I believe the town of St Helens has a better development scheme than most others in Super League.

I must pay tribute to all the educational establishments I have worked with over the years, including primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, sixth form colleges, and universities. These establishments have responded to the offers which have frequently come from the club. They have become involved with a partnership designed to offer improvement through the medium of Rugby League. Through all the schemes that have been run my thanks must go to all the staff and pupils for their eternal enthusiasm.

The local amateur clubs too became involved in a partnership which saw qualified first team players brought into the community as Rugby League development workers. My thanks must go to these clubs for their continued support and commitment to the Saints, and I wish them good fortune for many seasons to come.

I have recently been connected with the CIP (Continuous Improvement Programme) and it is this scheme which has given me the most pleasure. This pleasure has not just been gained by organising and coaching the town's most elite players, but also through working closely with some of the best coaches that St Helens has to offer. These coaches have worked endless hours to improve the playing ability of more than 100 players. They deserve recognition, support and gratitude. I can not thank them enough.

Finally, to every one I have worked with over the last three years. I have many happy memories that will last a lifetime - Lee Briers lifting the Academy Challenge Cup, Shaun McRae and his team talk at Wembley in 1997. But one thing I will never forget is the passion and determination that St Helens people have to succeed in the game of Rugby League.

Nick Halafihi, Rainford.

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