SECOND-PLACED Saints hit the road they hope will lead to a Grand Final appearance when they entertain Leeds Rhinos tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.

And they are optimistic that this first round play-off clash will attract a five-figure gate, as the Rhinos seek revenge for a Super League double defeat inflicted on them by Saints this season.

Coach Ellery Hanley is expected to name the same team as that which defeated Bradford Bulls, while the Leeds line-up will be chosen from: Harris; Sterling, Golden, Godden, Cummings; Powell, Sheridan; Masella, Newton, Fleary, Morley, Farrell, Glanville. Substitutes Rivett, Mathiou, Hay, McDermott.

Referee is Steve Presley, stand tickets are on sale at Knowsley Road price £14, (concessionary £10), and the Bradford and Warrington Academy squads will meet in a curtain-raiser kick-off 5.15pm.

All-American five-girl band 'Perfect Ten,' from Kansas, will supplement the pre-match entertainment.

If Saints win they will travel to Bradford Bulls on Friday, September 24. In the event of a defeat Saints will entertain the winners of the Wigan versus Castleford game.

Wigan chairman Peter Norbury has dismissed rumours that Saints' scrum-half Sean Long has signed for the Warriors as no more than 'paper talk.'

Long is contracted to Saints until the end of next season and has been offered a new deal which he has still to decide on. Sean is on holiday in Cyprus, and is not expected to play again this season as he recovers from a shoulder injury Captain Chris Joynt and Paul Newlove have been included in this season's 'dream team' which was chosen by the media on Monday,

Bob Dagnall, Saints' Test hooker of the 1960s, who is confined to his Nutgrove home because of illness, has been installed into the club's Hall of Fame by Past Players' Association chairman Ray French. Also present at the informal ceremony were former team-mates Geoff Pimblett, Austin Rhodes, Frankie Barrow, Peter Harvey and Ray Howard. Bob's great friend Johnny Fishwick received a framed portrait on his behalf from Kel Coslett at half-time on Friday.

Woolworth's Junior Saints Club will meet at the AMF bowling alley on Tuesday, October 5. at 6pm. A trip to Blackpool is planned for November. New members welcome. More information from Auntie Freda on St. Helens 602253.

The club Newsline number has been changed to 09068 664422. Charge is 60 pence per minute.

Answer to correspondent 'Alliance fan:' Hooker John Hamilton made the most appearances this season with 29, in which he scored13 tries. Warren Barrow led the try chart with 24 in 19 games, while Mark McCully kicked 91 goals and touched down nine times for a total of 218 points in 22 matches,

Harry Rutter, of Parr: Saints were unbeaten away from home in 1952-53, when they played 18 matches, including a 10-10 draw at Huddersfield on Easter Monday. They topped the league table with 64 points and defeated Halifax 24-14 in the Championship final at Maine Road, Manchester.

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