SAINTS' new coach Shaun McRae jetted into Knowsley Road on Wednesday from Australia, described the job as daunting - but a fresh challenge to relish!

Sydney-born, 36-year-old highly-articulate Shaun told a packed press conference: 'I was flattered when Saints approached me, because after being assistant coach with Canberra Raiders for five years I felt I was ready for promotion.

'I held a similar post with the Australian team for six years, and landing the top job at Saints is tremendous, but I know there is a lot of hard work ahead for me and the team,' said Shaun, a married man with three children..

'Although I have watched Saints mostly on television I think I know what needs to be done, with tightening of the defence number one priority, but that does not mean that instinctive attacking flair in a renowned back line will not continue to flourish.

'Saints and Canberra are two of a kind in style, and this should help me to adjust to my new surroundings, and I have already had a lot of support in this respect from captain Bobbie Goulding and his deputy Chris Joynt.

'Ending the domination of Wigan is uppermost in the minds of everyone, but I have to say I have great admiration for their on-going success and I'll try to instil similar consistency at Saints, because the potential is here,' he added.

Said Saints chief executive David Howes: 'Shaun McRae's appointment was timed to coincide with preparations for the launch of Super League, but he has been given an unexpectedly tough start with Saturday's cup tie at Castleford.

'But I am confident we have got the right man for the exciting challenge of Super League because he has a great knowledge of the game, and I know our fans will get behind Shaun as he bids to put Saints where they belong _ at the top!'

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