By Phil Gordos BBC Sport Online

Paul Sculthorpe says it would have been "a massive loss" had coach Ian Millward quit St Helens to take charge of Wests Tigers.

The Australian was interviewed by officials of the struggling NRL club but eventually opted to stay at Knowsley Road until his current contract runs out.

And Sculthorpe admits Millward's decision to turn down a return to his homeland was a big "relief" to all the players.

"He is a superb coach and it would have been a massive loss if he had gone," Sculthorpe told BBC Sport Online.

"I think he is brilliant and he has improved my game since he has been at the club.

"To be honest, I could not imagine life at Saints without him.

"He would be impossible to replace and it is a relief for all the players that he is staying."

Millward's current contract runs out at the end of next season but Sculthorpe thinks he could sign a new deal with the Super League club.

"I know he loves it at Saints and I would not be surprised if he signs a contract extension," said the Great Britain international.

"You cannot blame him for wanting to coach in his own country but I am just thrilled to bits that he is staying."