ST. HELENS have confirmed their interest in Warrington Wolves' Maori centre Toa Kohe-Love for next season.

Their coach Ian Millward denies speculation that Kohe-Love has already signed a deal with them for 2002 and beyond.

Millward said that Kohe-Love, who is 24-years-old and can leave Wilderspool without a fee at the end of his current contract this year, is a target to replace their current centre Kevin Iro should he decide to quit the Knowsley Road club at the end of this season.

The Saints coach said contract matters with his own players will not be discussed until after the Challenge Cup final on April 28.

Warrington Wolves are aware that St. Helens have shown interest previously in their New Zealander, who came off the overseas quota at the start of this season.

Kohe-Love has been with Warrington since 1996 when he was signed by the then Wolves coach John Dorahy and was hailed by rugby director of that time Alex Murphy as 'The next Henry Paul'.

Kohe-Love's best season so far with the Wolves was in 1999 when he topped the game's Rugby League scoring charts.