Rugby league legend Ellery Hanley, sacked by St Helens after a personality clash five years ago, says the club were within their rights to dismiss his successor.

Australian Ian Millward, who succeeded Hanley in March 2000, had his contract terminated on Tuesday for gross misconduct.

"Coaches have to abide by particular rules," Hanley told BBC Sport. "You cannot step over the mark.

"Regardless of how successful you are - and who you are - you have to treat everybody in a fashion that's fair."

St Helens are currently second in the engage Super League and Hanley, the former Wigan and Great Britain captain who guided Saints to Grand Final glory in 1999, believes the club will maintain their title push despite the loss of their popular coach.

"St Helens will be OK," he said. "The players will build the bridges and they'll stay strong, they're professional enough."

Meanwhile, Millward's former assistant Jon Sharp, now head coach at Huddersfield, has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacancy.

"It's flattering being linked to the Saints job but I am thoroughly enjoying being the head coach of Huddersfield Giants," he said.