CHAMPIONS Saints are expected to field a much stronger line-up than the one which faced Whitehaven in the Challenge Cup last week when they launch their Super League VI season against Bradford Bulls at Valley Parade on Friday, kick-off 8pm.

David Fairleigh, Peter Shiels, Sean Long, Kevin Iro and Sean Hoppe are all set to return after missing the cup-tie in Cumbria, but Paul Sculthorpe and Keiron Cunningham are still on the injrued list.

Western Samoan Vila Matautia also looks set to miss out after being handed a four-match ban and a £400 fine by the disciplinary panel following his dismissal at the Recreation Ground, with Wayne McDonald likely to retain his place in the squad.

The probable Bulls line-up is: Spruce; Vaikona, Naylor, Withers, Gilmour or Pryce; H. Paul, R. Paul; Vagana, Lowes, McDermott, Gartner, Peacock, Forshaw. Substitutes: Anderson, Deacon, Rigon, Fielden.

Saints will be seeking their first Super League victory at Bradford, having lost the lot -- albeit at Odsal -- since the competition's inception in 1996, although the Knowsley Road team redressed the balance somewhat with a Wembley double and Grand Final win.

Supporters Club coaches leave Knowsley Road at 5pm, cost £8.50 and £6.50. Admission to the all-seater stadium starts at £12 (concessions £6).

The route to Valley Parade is as follows: Leave M62 at junction 26. Follow M606 to Bradford into Rooley Lane. Look for airport signs, pass traffic lights at Asda and turn left at roundabout into Wakefield Road. Then follow Shipley/Skipton signs onto Airedale Road. Left at Tesco into Station Road and left again into Queens Road. Left at third lights into Manningham Road. Left at Blue Chip petrol station.

Saints will face Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup quarter-final at Knowsley Road on Friday, March 9, kick-off 8pm. They last met in a Challenge Cup clash at Leeds Road soccer stadium in 1994 when Saints won 23-16. Anthony Sullivan, Jonathan Griffiths, Chris Joynt and Tommy Martyn touched down for Saints.

Paul Loughlin kicked three goals and Martyn chipped in with a one-pointer. Team: Prescott; Haigh, Hunte, Loughlin, Sullivan; Martyn, Griffiths; Dannatt, Dwyer, Pickavance, Joynt, Nickle, Cooper. Substitutes: Hodgkinson, Casey.

Chief executive Malcolm Kay has denied reports that Saints have contingency plans to play at the Autoquest stadium, Widnes, next season, if the proposed new ground on the UGB site is not ready. Said Mr Kay: "If that be the case Saints will continue at Knowsley Road until it is".

Alliance players Mike Loughlin, Ifan Howell, Dave Cunliffe and Dale Holdstock are currently interesting Widnes. Meanwhile, Saints have told Grant Bithell he is free to join another club.

A rugby forum in aid of the Anthony Sullivan testimonial and Willowbrook Hospice will be held in the cabaret room on Thursday, April 3, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from the Hospice office, Claughton Street, or from members of Anthony's committee.

Saints Alliance side, whose scheduled game versus Bradford last night (Wednesday) was switched from Knowsley Road to Moss Lane, will play Wigan at Knowsley Road on Wednesday, March 7, kick-off 7.30pm

The Supporters Club will hold their annual meeting at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, March 20, starting 7.30pm. Nominations for committee must be sent to secretary Terry Speakman by Tuesday, March 13.