THE buzz in the town since Saints became world champions reached fever pitch when the draw was made for the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.

For they were paired with arch-rivals Wigan Warriors in a mouthwatering clash, which will be played at Knowsley Road on Saturday, February 10, kick-off 3pm.

With Wigan thirsting for revenge after their Grand Final defeat by Chris Joynt's men, and Saints equally determined to negotiate the first hurdle on the road to Twickenham, Knowsley Road will be packed to the rafters.

Lifting the Challenge Cup would see Saints complete a major trophy hat-trick in six months so the incentive is even greater, and although the game is not all-ticket there is a good chance of a 19,300 capacity crowd.

Saints have taken the precaution of making special arrangements for the sale of tickets. These are: Season ticket holders, today (Thursday, February 1) from 9.30am; general sale, Monday from 9.30am. Prices -- stand £15 (transfer £4), ground £11 (concessions £6).

Next week's confrontation means that Saints and Wigan are already set to meet five times this season, inclusive of four league fixtures.

A study of the last game between the sides in the Grand Final just four months ago makes interesting reading, if only for the number of players who have left their respective clubs.

Apollo Perelini, Freddie Tuilagi, Julian O'Neill and Scott Barrow are no longer at Knowsley Road, while Jason Robinson, Tony Smith, Willie Peters, Brady Malam, Tony Mestrov and Lee Gilmour have departed from the JJB Stadium.

In place of their departing players Saints have recruited David Fairleigh, Peter Shiels, Wayne McDonald and Mick Higham, while Wigan have new faces in David Furner, Adrian Lam, Brian Carney, Matthew Johns, Francis Stephenson and Harvey Howard.