SAINTS boss Ian Millward has another reason for looking forward to the trip to the Millennium Stadium - after declaring his Welsh roots!

Millward, whose grandfather Archibald was born in Pontypridd, was brought up on stories about Cardiff Arms Park.

The Aussie said: "Personally Cardiff is something I targeted at the end of last year.

"I have a family history in Wales and I grew up with a Welsh granddad who used to idolise players like Lewis Jones, Jim Mills and Mervyn Hicks.

"I wore a Welsh jumper when I was growing up, so to be going back to the Cardiff Arms Park will be special for me and my family. For me that is fantastic."

Saints have never beaten Wigan in a Challenge Cup final since 1966 - so to pull it off this time would be sweet for several generations of St Helens supporters. Millward is keen for his side to rise to the challenge.

He said: "I just find in coaching there are always challenges and your next victory always makes it sweeter.

"I am really proud of my players and the way they have trained in the off season, the way we have changed things, the way people have taken on responsibility and the way we have started."

Despite being in the build up to one of the fiercest of local derbies, Millward took time out to send his best wishes to counterpart Mike Gregory, who is suffering from a debilitating illness as a result of an insect bite.

"I am sad to see anyone get sick with something like that. Our thoughts are with Mike.

"There is a rivalry between our teams, but there is also compassion. I really hope he gets better.

"He is a nice bloke and he is also a tough person. But hopefully they will fix him up," he said.