A VERY professional performance which meant a more convincing victory than the pundits expected. That was the opinion of Shaun McRae as he reflected on the Premiership conquest of Salford Reds.

WHITTLE: More than one media source was tipping Salford, so why do you think they were made to eat their words?

McRAE: To be honest I had lingering doubts as to whether Saints would make it to the last four, and I was still scratching my head when we led just 10-6 at half-time. But Saints had already demonstrated that they had the firepower to crack an intimidatory Salford defence with those superb tries by Alan Hunte and Sean Long, which laid the platform for the second half scoring surge. What pleased me most of all however, was that enthusiasm, will-to-win, call it what you like, was much in evidence and more's the pity we can't bottle it to be brought out every match day! The fact that Saints did well in completing most of their sets of six tackles was another plus, while on an individual note I thought Sean Long continued to prove what a good signing he has been. But please, no comparisons with Bobbie Goulding because they are totally different types of player and when Tommy Martyn - who I believe is the best stand-off in the game - is fit Saints are going to be well blessed indeed for half-backs. A word too for young Tony Stewart, who took his try well and really looks one for the future after 'beefing' himself up on arriving at Knowsley Road. As for Salford I thought coach Andy Gregory was generous in his praise of Saints' performance - I know how difficult it can be speaking to pressmen when your team has lost!

WHITTLE: Craig Weston, Paul Davidson, Grant Young and Brett Goldspink - are they bound for Saints?

McRAE: The trail appears to have gone cold on Weston and Davidson at the moment, while Kiwi Young is out of Saints' price range. But the signs are more optimistic regarding Goldspink and, as they say in your business, it could be a case of 'watch this space!' WHITTLE: Saints have now won four games on the trot, with Castleford being the last team to defeat them. A omen for tomorrow perhaps?

McRAE: One of revenge, I should think, from Saints' point of view. Harking back to the game at Wheldon Road last month it was all or nothing for 'Cas' in their battle for Super League survival, and the chips will be down again, this time at Knowsley Road, with a trip to Old Trafford the glittering prize. My fellow Aussie Stuart Raper has done a wonderful job in the short time he has been in charge of the Tigers, and on the basis that any team that wins at Odsal is deserving of the greatest respect, Saints will need to be 'up' for this one.

WHITTLE: Still on the visit of 'Cas' is the injury report an encouraging one or otherwise?

McRAE: It's very much a case of swings and roundabouts with Vila Matautia having broken his arm, while Andy Haigh (knee) and Joey Hayes (hamstring) will not be ready. But on a brighter note I am fairly confident that Ian Pickavance (groin) and Apollo Perelini (knee) will make it, as will Alan Hunte, who played last week although carrying an injury. WHITTLE: Remembering that for differing reasons - inclusive of Matautia - Steve Prescott, Tommy Martyn, Dean Busby, Bobbie Goulding and Andy Northey will also not be available for Brisbane, surely are you going to be 'pushed' to raise a 19-man squad?

McRAE: Point taken. At the moment it is matter of waiting to see if Hayes and Haigh recover in time, and it could be that a youngster from outside the established 24-player first team squad is drafted in. With regard to the game against the Broncos, that will be played on Friday night, October 3 - just two days after Saints touch down in Brisbane!

WHITTLE: Andy Northey's acceptance of a new challenge at Northampton Rugby Union club has met with considerable regret among Saints' fans. Sentiments, no doubt, of both the players and yourself?

McRAE: Absolutely! Andy is an honest, up-front man who - while I could not guarantee him a place in the starting line-up - was extremely useful from a versatility angle. A inspirational clubman with a keen sense of humour, Andy told me of Northampton's offer and Saints' accepted the situation with great reluctance. It is almost superfluous to add that he goes with the best wishes of everyone at Knowsley Road, and I have a feeling Andrew Northey will not be lost to a ground where he has made so many friends.

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