By Phil Gordos

James Graham (right) was one of the youngsters on duty for Saints

Ian Millward is not afraid of upsetting a few people, whether it's a rival coach or the Rugby Football League.

He accused Wigan of adopting dirty tactics in the build-up to their Super League battle on Good Friday.

Then he risked the wrath of the RFL by fielding a weakened team in the Easter Monday clash with Bradford.

His decision to make 11 changes to the team that drew 21-21 with the Warriors will also have upset bosses at Sky.

Instead of a mouth-watering battle between two of the game's giants, the match at Odsal was transformed into a damp squib.

No Paul Sculthorpe, Kieron Cunningham, Paul Wellens or Sean Long, just relative unknowns Phil Anderton, Liam Bostock, Ian Kenny and Peter Cook.

Yet you can bet Millward won't lose any sleep.

Report: Bradford 54-8 St Helens

The Australian is no stranger to controversy, his words and actions having caused consternation on a regular basis in the past.

In fact, Monday's move emulated the one he made prior to the corresponding fixture with Bradford two years ago.

Then he rested 12 players, no doubt with one eye firmly fixed on the Challenge Cup semi-final with Wigan a week later.

This time he made 11 changes, although the Cup semi-final with Huddersfield does not take place for another fortnight.

Whether the RFL take action remains to be seen.

Ian Millward is a good talker and not a bad coach

But Millward's decision to make wholesale changes in 2002 was widely condemned, notably by Bulls chairman Chris Caisley who accused the Saints of bringing the game into disrepute.

The RFL initially fined Saints �25,000, though this was subsequently wiped out on appeal.

But there will be fresh appeals for the Knowsley Road club to be penalised this time around, with points rather than hard cash being the currency of choice.

Yet, for all the controversy he is responsible for, would we want Millward any other way?

The game of rugby league is far richer for his presence.

He is honest, brutally so on occasion; is a great coach; and sparks plenty of debate with his outspoken comments.

To censor him would be a crime.