SAINTS boss Nathan Brown made it clear at Monday's press conference at Old Trafford that all the focus should be on the 34 players who are to do battle, rather than his sudden departure.

He played down talk that his return to Australia at the end of the season will have any impact on the game.

News broke on Friday that Brown had decided to hand in his notice at Langtree Park after spending two years reshaping the side, culminating in the team topping the league for the first time since 2008.

Brown said: "It's part of the job, coaches come and go, that's the reality of it.

"I'll be sad to be leaving England because I've a lot of good friends and a lot of great memories from over here. I'd rather talk about the players because that's what it's about at the end of the day."

After six years in England, including four at Huddersfield, Brown has cited family reasons for his return to Australia - but not before he leads Saints out for the biggest derby in the world of rugby league.

Brown said: "From a game point of view, it's a great thing to be involved in.

"When you come to St Helens, you learn to get that hatred or respect, dislike whatever you like to call it.

"I think both clubs respect each other a lot but there is something different about it."

Four players will be departing Langtree Park too, with Willie Manu, Sia Soliola, Gary Wheeler and Anthony Laffranchi all either moving on to pastures new or retiring.

But, barring any mishaps, the latter of those are unlikely to have a send off from the Theatre of Dreams, with Brown opting to stick with the 17 that did the job in the semi final - meaning places for impressive teenage pack men Luke Thompson and Greg Richards.

Meanwhile Brown revealed that there was nothing seriously wrong with James Roby, who was not considered for England duty in order to have a minor clean up.

Brown said: "He's just got a tidy-up, that's all. It's for Robes' long-term benefit.

"He's been playing for England for 10 years straight and he just needs a tidy-up. It's not causing him any inconvenience.

"He's just signed a five-year contract for the club and he's obviously a well-paid player and he's a St Helens boy and he wants to do what's best for St Helens.

"He'd still dearly want to play for England I think but he needs that time out to get his body in the right shape for next year's competition."