AFTER the narrow defeat at Bradford Saints' coach Ian Millward is expected to name the same squad for the trip to Wakefield on Sunday, kick-off 3.30pm.

But he's not much choice. Because Keiron Cunningham, Tommy Martyn, Vila Matautia, Freddie Tuilagi and Sean Hoppe are still not expected to be fit.

However, young prospects Tony Stewart, Scott Barrow and Tim Jonkers certainly didn't let the side down at Odsal, and hopes are high that Saints will leap back into winning groove on Wildcat's Belle Vue pitch.

Wakefield are currently struggling near the foot of the table, but Saints will not need to be reminded that the Yorkshire team pulled off a shock win in the corresponding fixture last season, albeit at Oakwell, Barnsley.

Wakefield's line-up includes ex-Saints star Steve Prescott, with the complete squad being: Prescott; Sampson, Law, Hughes, Westwood; March, Tomlinson; Stephenson, Poching, Watene, Field, Jowitt, Price. Substitutes Masella, Jackson, Hudson, White.

Referee is Russell Smith. Coaches leave Knowsley Road at 12.45pm, price £6.50 and £8.50. Radio Merseyside commentary by Alan Rooney on 1485 begins at 3pm.

Saints are still keen to keep Samoan stars Freddie Tuilagi and Apollo Perelini after reports they may join Sale Rugby Union club. "We have had contract talks with both players, and will do everything in our power to keep them at Knowsley Road," said a club spokesman.

Ian Millward and Kevin Iro were chosen coach and player of the month respectively for May in the Tetley Bitter Super League awards. The Alliance side defeated Bradford Bulls 14-10 at Knowsley Road courtesy of two tries by man-of-the-match Jason Johnson and three goals from John Braddish. Barnstorming Gareth Price enhanced his first team prospects, while Steve Hall and Mark Edmondson often caught the eye as Saints strengthened their championship hopes. Team: Giles; Kirkpatrick, McCully, Hall, Camman; Braddish, Peet; Loughlin, McConnell, Price, Jonkers, Bennett, Johnson. Substitutes Hamilton, Holdstock, Howells, Edmondson. Attendance 450.

The Academy side lost 36-6 at Bradford. They travel to Wakefield on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.

Club vice-chairman Malcolm Kay held talks with ISSA representative this week regarding standing arrangements at the new ground. Similar discussions will take place with the official Supporter's Club, while anyone not a member of these organisations can voice their opinions by contacting Mr. Kay on 23697. ISSA will hold their next meeting at the Unison club on Thursday, June 22, from 7.30pm.

Saints are hoping to submit a planning application for the Linkway stadium by the end of the month, and have indicated that the postponed annual meeting is likely to be held in July.

The Open Day at Saints will be held on Sunday, June 25, starting at noon. The name of the official opener remains a closely guarded secret.

Kevin Iro tops the Super League try chart with 17 followed by Sean Long with 13. Long has also kicked 66 goals and leads the points table with 184.

Saints are reported to be interested in stand-off Dave Dorahy, of Rochdale Hornets. He is the son of ex-Wigan coach John Dorahy. The Past Players' Association annual dinner will be held in the cabaret room tomorrow, Friday, from 7.15pm.

Answer to correspondent P. Sayle, of Lathom: Saints won four trophies in season 1965/66. They were the Challenge Cup, Championship, League Leaders trophy and Lancashire League.

Moss Bank Walking Stick Society: The record attendance at Saints is 35,695 when Wigan were defeated 15-8 on Boxing Day 1949. Saints side was: Lowe; Llewellyn, J. Stott (t 3g), Finnan, McCormick (t); Honey, Beesley; Norris, Blakemore (t), Whittaker, Aston, Parsons, Prescott. The biggest gate for a game in this country was at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, in 1954 when 102,569 (estimated) saw Warrington defeat Halifax 8-4 in the replayed Challenge Cup Final