SAINTS are facing a massive injury crisis as they prepare for the daunting trip to The Shay to face Halifax Blue Sox on Friday, kick-off 7.30pm

For Paul Sculthorpe (fractured eye socket) and Tony Stewart (abdominal strain) have joined a walking wounded list already containing Kevin Iro, Sean Hoppe, Vila Matautia, Freddie Tuilagi, Paul Atcheson, Chris Smith and John Stankevitch.

Coach Ian Millward was reviewing his available troops before finalising his side, while opposite number Gary Mercer was expected to select the team defeated by Wigan namely:

Gibson; Marns, Florimo, Naylor, Hassan; Pearson, Duneman; Hobson, Rowley, Gannon, Mercer, Bloem, Moana. Substitutes Foster, Golden, Savelio, Firth.

John Connolly is referee, Radio Merseyside commentary is by Ray French from 7pm, and coaches leave Knowsley Road at 5.15pm, fare £6 and £8.

Saints have signed Peter Shiels, a 27-year-old forward from Australian club Newcastle Knights. Standing 6ft 5in and weighing 16 stone, Peter has agreed a three-year deal and will arrive at Knowsley Road in November. Said coach Ian Millward: "He has also played for Penrith and Western Suburbs and is highly rated in Sydney. Shiels is particularly good at off-loading the ball, and I see him as the ideal replacement for Freddie Tuilagi. And I can assure supporters we have other signings in mind."

Freddie Tuilagi was due to sign for Leicester Tigers as the Star went to press, but will fulfill his contract with Saints until the end of the season.

Director of referees Greg McCallum has written to Tommy Martyn regarding some aspects of his tackling technique, and has suggested that Tommy employ more use of the arm rather than the leg in a tackle that was one known as the 'Cumberland throw.'

The Alliance team lost their 100 per cent away record 25-19 at Leeds. Saints tries were scored by Nick Camman, David Cunliffe, Grant Bithell and John Braddish, who also landed a conversion while John Stankevitch dropped a goal.

Ian Millward has been drafted in as assistant coach to Welsh boss Clive Griffiths for the forthcoming World Cup series. Ian's grandfather was born in Pontypridd. Keiron Cunningham and Anthony Sullivan are also involved in the preparations. The Academy side lost 48-20 against Leeds at Knowsley Road on Sunday.

Saints' historian Alex Service has turned up trumps yet again with an 128-page pictorial record of the team from its formation to the present day. The riveting read is one of the Images of Sport Archive Photograph series, and is simply entitled 'St. Helens Rugby League Club.' Published by Tempus, the book will be available this weekend, costing £9.99 at Saints and bookshops. Further details from Alex on 756135.

The Past Players Association will attend a Millennium reunion of other PPA's at the McAlpine stadium, Huddersfield, on Saturday, June 24. Saints will be represented by Hall of Fame members Duggie Greenall, Austin Rhodes, Glyn Moses, Kel Coslett, John Mantle, Eric Chisnall and Geoff Pimblett. Other names from the past such as Peter Harvey, Brian McGinn, Frankie Barrow, Jimmy Measures, Dave Markey, Trevor Simms, Keith Northey, Roy Mathias and Bill Sheffield will also attend. Legendary Duggie will officially open the new Hall of Fame on Sunday at 11am. The photographic display of giants of the past has been re-sited in the restaurant at Knowsley Road.

Saints Open Day will follow at 11.30am and will include interviews and pictures with players, Wish FM Roadshow, pig roast, fire engine display, face painting, bouncy castle, ground tour, team drills, parachute drop, Cyber Babes, shirt presentations, autographs etc.

Saints have signed centre Dwayne West, the 19-year-old son of former Wigan coach Graeme West. The home match versus Warrington Wolves has been switched from Sunday, July 2, to Friday, June 30, kick-off 7.30pm. The dinner in aid of Willowbrook Hospice which was scheduled for the same evening is being re-arranged. Saints game at Wigan on Sunday, July 9, will kick-off at 7.05pm.

A few copies of Saints' Millennium book 'Marching On' are available at the superstore at the bargain price of £15.

Ex-Saints forward George Mann is recovering at his Windle home after suffering a double fracture of the jaw while playing for Widnes Alliance side against Oldham last week. The popular Kiwi was rushed first to Whiston and then Fazakerley hospitals, and I am sure all Saints supporters will join me in wishing George a full and speedy recovery.

England World Cup hero of 1966 Nobby Stiles will be guest speaker when Saints hold their next First Friday dinner at St. Helens Hilton on July 7. Details from Helen Lawrenson on 23697.

The Independent Supporters' Association will hold a Rock Band Night with 'The Crash' at Knowsley Road on Friday, July 7, from 7.30pm. Tickets £3 from Linda Edwards on 617246. The ISSA will meet tonight, Thursday, at the Unison club from 7.30pm. A question and answer session will be held with Ian Millward.