SECOND-PLACED Saints are facing back division problems as they bid to maintain their leadership challenge in Friday's daunting trip to Leeds, kick-off 7.30pm.

For long-term injured Paul Newlove looks likely to miss his 12th successive game due to hamstring trouble, while Kevin Iro (ankle) and Tommy Martyn (knee) are rated doubtful.

In addition Vila Matautia has returned to Samoa following the death of his father, and coach Ian Millward has much headscratching to do before naming his team to face the rampant Rhinos.

The likely Leeds line-up is: Cummins; Sterling, Mackay, Senior, Pratt; Harris, Sheridan; Fleary, Jackson, McDermott, Morley, Barnhill, Sinfield. Substitutes Farrell, Mathiou, Powell, Walker.

Supporters' coaches leave Knowsley Road at 4.45pm, price £6.50 and £8.50. Sky coverages starts at 7pm, as does that of Alan Rooney and Ray French on Radio Merseyside 1485FM.

Saints could be jetting from winter's icy blast to the pleasanter climes of the South African veldt in January as they prepare for Super League VI. For they are planning to hold a 10-day training session at the Loftus Versfeld Test venue near Johannesburg. Said coach Ian Millward: 'I will investigate the possibilities when I go to South Africa with the Welsh World Cup squad next month, and will probably liaise with Tom Van Vollenhoven who, I am told, is a legend over here!'

The second-placed Alliance team won 36-10 at Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants. Tries were scored by Mark McCully, Chris Giles, Mike Loughlin, Dave Cunliffe, John Kirkpatrick, Mark Edmondson and John Braddish, who also kicked four goals. Saints visit Halifax on Saturday, kick-off 12 noon, at the local Rugby Union ground. A former Saints' forward could be set for big screen glory after his latest film earned rave reviews. For Halifax-based Adam Fogarty is a member of the star-studded cast of 'Snatch' which features Brad Pitt and soccer hardman Vinnie Jones. 'Foggy' plays bare-knuckle fighter 'Gorgeous George' in a show about to have its London premiere.

Saints' Academy side lost 34-12 at Halifax Blue Sox. They play Bradford Bulls at Knowsley Road on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

The Past Players Association will be guests of their Leeds counterparts tomorrow at Headingley. Cost to members is £10 and further information is available from secretary Geoff Pimblett on 24611. Canada-based John Walsh is the latest recruit to the PPA. Saints have appointed club historian Alex Service as chairman of the museum/heritage centre steering group. Other members are Malcolm Kay, Curtis Johnstone, Bill Bates, Paul Cunliffe and Denis Whittle.

Neil Holding is guest speaker at tomorrow's First Friday lunch at Knowsley Road, which starts at 12 noon. Further details from Helen Lawrenson on 23697.

The Junior Saints club meet at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, September 5, at 6.15pm.

The Supporters Club will present the Eddie and Stevo Roadshow at in the cabaret room on Monday, October 9, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 including hot-pot and are available at the Supporters Club shop.

Diary dates for the Independent Supporter's Association include: Sunday, September 17. Sponsored walk around Snowdon for club funds. Friday, December 22, Christmas party, Unison club, £3. February (date to be fixed) special presentation night at Hilton hotel. Speaker Stevo. Four course meal. Tickets £25 from Linda Edwards on 617246 after 5pm. Saints are to run a player-of-the-year competition in conjunction with optical company Vision Express. To enter visit Saints' website on www.saints.uk.com.

Following complaints from several supporters that they had been refused admission to Knowsley Road because they were carrying umbrellas Saints' s safety officer Max Woosey issued the following statement: 'Golf umbrellas with a 'spike' are prohibited under ground safety regulations and our stewards have been instructed accordingly.'

Ray French will hold an autographing session of his new book 'League Tales' at Wardleworth's, Westfield Street, this Saturday, September 2, from 11am.

Saints are to host a fund-raising dinner and comedy evening in aid of Willowbrook hospice on Saturday, October 28, from 7.30pm. It will be compered by Neil Holding and comedians are Billy Bean and Ven Tracy. Tickets cost £17.50 from restaurant manageress Mary Dixon on 756119, Jimmy O'Sullivan 28148 and George Connolly 0151-4260030. Raffle prizes and donations gratefully accepted.

Locally-born forward Harvey Howard created a notable double when he earned an Australian Grand Final winners medal with Brisbane Broncos on Saturday. For he became the first St. Helens-born player to do so, while his father Brian was in the Saints' side that enjoyed initial Challenge Cup success versus Halifax at Wembley in 1956. 31-year-old Harvey also follows in the footsteps of Dick Huddart, Kevin Ward and Ellery Hanley in collecting the prestigious Aussie 'gong.' Brian and his wife Dorothea live at Burtonwood and regularly visit their son 'Down Under.'

Answer to correspondent Alec Hackett, of Dentons Green: Alex Murphy was coach of the England World Cup squad in 1975. Saints' players involved were brothers Dave and Eric Chisnall, George Nicholls, John Walsh and David Eckersley.