Saints have officially confirmed one of rugby league's worst-kept secrets - that Scully won't be offered new terms when his present contract expires at the end of the season.
Super League-bound Salford and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have been touted as possible employers for the 30-year-old former Man of Steel.
However, McRae told MEN Sport: "You never say never, but I am pretty confident we won't be pursuing that line.
"I'm not denying I have spoken to Paul. I know him very well and in fact took him from Warrington to St Helens more than 10 years ago.
"However, since we spoke to his agent we have moved down the line with players we've signed and with other players we've made offers to.
"And at the end of the day there won't be much money left in the pot.''
The City Reds, who play their final National League One home game for at least four years against Batley on Sunday, have already signed Aussie Ray Cashmere and Kiwi Jeremy Smith.
There has also been speculation on who will be leaving the Willows at the end of the season.
And McRae said: "That has upset the apple cart. There has been a lot of guessing games but we've not actually sat anyone down and told them they won't be getting a contract next season.
"No-one has been given that information. Obviously, though, some players are smarter than others and those who haven't been offered new deals, might be thinking what's going to happen?''
Sculthorpe `s likely destination is Wakefield.
Tweet
