SAINTS have answered criticism that no concessionary tickets will be available World Club Challenge game against Melbourne Storm at Wigan on January 22.

Vice-chairman Mal Kay: "Knowsley Road's capacity is only 19,100 and insufficient to make the match financially viable.

"We considered playing at Bolton, Liverpool, Blackburn and Manchester City, but JJB has superb facilities, is close to St. Helens and staging the match there makes sound business sense.

"The no cut-price decision was made jointly by Super League, Melbourne Storm and ourselves," added Mr. Kay.

Tickets for the big clash may be ordered at Knowsley Road.

Although there were several absentees due to injury, Saints' first team squad resumed training this week under assistant coach Nigel Ashley-Jones. Ellery Hanley is due back from Australia next week.

The former UG site at Peasley Cross Lane is earmarked for the new ground, and Saints are expected to ratify this in the near future.

Saints have confirmed that they have signed Kiwi forward Bryn Henare, but are facing competition from Wigan for scrum-half Darrall Trindall.

Utility player 'Freddie' Tuilagi is expected to come off the overseas quota and that would allow Saints to negotiate a new contract with Sean Hoppe.

Brunskill Photographers are holding a 'Guess the Saint' competition in which supporters are asked to identify ten pictures of Knowsley Road stars of the 1980s. Prize is a Christmas hamper value £60 and entry forms are available at the North Road studio.

St. Helens Glass will be named as Saints' new sponsors at a press conference today at Knowsley Road. The Millennium shirt will also be on view.

Saints are in no doubt that coach Ellery Hanley will remain at Knowsley Road next season. Their statement follows reports that Wigan are interested in securing his services.

Knowsley Road wing ace of the1950s and 1960s Tom Van Vollenhoven has been appointed president and life member of the South African Rugby League.

With Christmas shoppers in mind, Saints' souvenir shop - which is now managed by Christine Hesketh - will have a special late night on Monday next until 7pm.

Saints' ambitious development programme has received a massive boost with a £50,000 sponsorship by local company Concrete TS Limited, along with a similar amount from the Government-backed Sportsmatch initiative

Up-and-coming forward Tim Jonkers topped the tackle count with 45 for Ireland in the recent match against Scotland at Tolka Park, Dublin. Tommy Martyn was also well up the chart with 30 tackles. These figures were made available by Saints' statistician Dave Parr, whose computer system is the latest in modern technology.

The official Supporters' Club will hold their Christmas party at Knowsley Road on Friday, December 10. It will include a buffet, disco and licensed bar. Tickets price £12 are available from Saints.

Tickets for the game at Wigan on Boxing Day are on sale at Knowsley Road, price £14, £12 (concession £8) and £10 (£6). Season tickets are now available and concessions will apply if bought before December 20.

Saints will hold a fund-raising dinner at Knowsley Road on Friday, January 21. Chairman is Ray French, speaker Peter Fox and comedian Mike King. Tickets from Joe Spencer and Jimmy O'Sullivan.

Christmas bookings are now being accepted for Saints' restaurant and should made with John and Mary Dixon.

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