GIANT Sale Sharks and England Rugby Union winger Steve Hanley is set to join Saints on a four-month loan this summer.

A deal is being brokered by Saints' coach Ian Millward, who has held talks with Sale chief executive Peter Deakin with a view to bringing the 6ft 4in 17-stone powerhouse to Knowsley Road in June.

The temporary switch of codes -- which has the full approval of Sale -- looks certain to come off unless Hanley is selected for either the British Lions or England tours.

Cumbrian Steve played Rugby League for Whitehaven before switching to Union with Aspatria, and has scored 12 tries for Sale this season.

The latest development underlines the growing harmony between what were once bitter rival codes, with ex-Saint Apollo Perelini and former Wigan star Jason Robinson now being with the South Manchester club.

Commenting on Saints' move for Hanley, Ian Millward said: "Sale believe a spell with Saints would help in Steve's rugby education, but we would not make any monetary contribution to them for his services. The proposals would have no effect on our current players or on Saints' budget."

Meanwhile, Saints are also reported to be interested in Rochdale Hornets' 21-year-old prop Danny Sculthorpe, brother of Saints' loose0forward Paul, who came to Knowsley Road from Warrington for a world record £370,000 in1998.

Once tipping the scale at 19 stone, Danny has trimmed down and, although he is in only the early stages of a three-year contract with Northern Premier side Rochdale, his ball-handling skills have caught the eye of Super League clubs.

* Saints' proposed new stadium is firmly on course and work could start this year. That was the reassuring message from Neil Southwell, of developers Frank Whittle Partnership, at the sponsors evening at the Hilton Hotel on Monday. His words came in the wake of rumours that the project had been scrapped following rejection of an application for planning permission. However, a new submission will be made in the near future.

The back-to-back Grand Final Trophy winners enjoyed an encouraging response from the local business community including Pilkington Glass, who entered into a sponsorship agreement for an executive box to be used by the workforce. Details of all packages can be obtained from Simon Dawson, Andy Foreman and Kel Coslett on 23697.

* Winger Anthony Sullivan has been granted a testimonial during the forthcoming season. Great Britain tourist and Welsh international 'Sully' joined Saints from Hull KR in 1991 and has scored more than 200 tries for the club.

* Locally-born banker Eamonn McManus has joined Saints in an advisory capacity. A former pupil of West Park Grammar School and a university graduate now in his early 40s, Eamonn previously worked in Hong Kong and lives in Cheshire.

* The draw for the fourth round of the Challenge Cup will be made in Leeds on Monday at 5pm.

* A fund-raising mixed dinner will be held in the cabaret room on Saturday, January 27, starting at 7.30pm. Speakers are Ian Millward and Ray French and comedian is Dusty Young. Tickets cost £20 from Jimmy O'Sullivan on 28148 and Joe Spencer on 615765.

* The Supporters Club will hold their player-of-the-year presentation night at Nexus club on Tuesday, February 14, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from the supporters cabin at Knowsley Road.

* The annual pre-season dinner dance will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, February 2, from 7pm. Dress black tie. Saints players will attend and music will be by the Manhattan band. Tickets, price £30, from Andy Foreman or Kel Coslett on 23697. Tables of 10 are available.