SAINTS boss Ian Millward comes face to face with his predecessor for the first time on Friday night when Ellery Hanley brings his Castleford Tigers side to Knowsley Road.

Castleford, anchored to the foot of the table with only one Super League win this year, turned to Hanley and coach Gary Mercer four weeks ago after the sacking of Graham Steadman.

But Hanley's first rugby league appointment since his sacking by Saints in February 2000 has not had an immediate effect.

Cas have since lost a home tie with fellow strugglers Salford, scraped a win against a poor London side and last Sunday they were hammered at home by Hull.

But Millward, wary of the wounded Tigers, said: "History shows that when a team has had a big loss they have bounced back the following week.

"We have to be very wary of that and make sure we are in a position to control that."

Saints will have prop Keith Mason back after serving his two game suspension for a high tackle gainst Warrington.

Dom Feaunati, who missed the Wigan game with an ankle injury, is due to play in the Academy game tonight. (Thursday).

But there is no real update on Keiron Cunningham, who has missed the last two games since limping of at Warrington.

"He only started running on it on Tuesday, so it is early to say whether he will play.

"Keiron will have to wait until Friday, but won't be taking risks with him. No way," Millward said.