NEWLY-PROMOTED Hull Sharks are understood to have made a massive £350,000 triple bid for Saints' stars Alan Hunte, Steve Prescott and Simon Booth.

The Knowsley Road board considered the shock offer on Tuesday, and will discuss it further at next week's meeting, along with a written transfer request from utility back Hunte.

However, it is reported that transfer-listed forward Booth has already signed for the Boulevard club , but full-back and local product Prescott has stated he has no desire to leave Saints.

Said Steve: "Hull have spoken with me, but Saints have not been in touch and, and although I am not sure where my future lies at the moment, I intend to fight for my first-team place at Knowsley Road."

Meanwhile, Saints have dismissed rumours that they are poised to sign Tawera Nikau and Bradley Clyde as 'pure speculation.'

Blackbrook and Cowley schoolboy utility forward Tim Jonkers has signed professional forms for Saints. A 16-year-old local lad, Tim toured Australia with the North West Counties squad last season.

Two videos which encapsulate the Saints' story down the years will be on sale at the Superstore from Monday, November 17. Produced by North West Video 'Saints Go Marching On' is priced £14.99 and 'Rugby's Coming Home' £9.99.

Spurred by the success of last year's Christmas Cracker draw, Saints' are to repeat it but this time with a first prize of £2,000. Other prizes include a colour television, a holiday for four, hampers, whisky, wine, McEwan's lager, autographed balls and season tickets. Tickets price £1 are available from the Superstore.

The Junior Saints' Club will hold a Christmas fancy dress party on a date yet to be finalised. All admission money must be paid to Aunty Freda, telephone 602253, by November 22.

Launched only in January, the Luke Bryan appeal has already topped .the £78,000 milestone, and received another boost with a collection totalling £1,775 at the Great Britain versus Australia Test match at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Forthcoming events include: Ladies' Night at Haydock Cricket Club, tonight, Friday, November 14. Tickets £5 including buffet. Contact Linda Travis on 01942-276293.

Sportsman's dinner, Windle Labour Club. Wednesday, November 19. Speaker Eddie Cunningham. Tickets £15 from Alan on St. Helens 23053 or Jimmy O'Sullivan 28148.

Saints are to start a bi-monthly corporate business luncheon club with the launch in the cabaret room on Friday, November 28, at noon. Initial sponsorship is by St. Helens Electrical Wholesalers and Distributors. A three-course meal will be followed by a sporting quiz hosted by Radio Merseyside's Willie Miller, with the panel comprising Joe Lydon, Lee Crooks and Anthony Sullivan. Tickets price £20 are available from Saints' on St. Helens 757905.

Test hooker Kieron Cunningham is to undergo further groin surgery next week.

Saints' former Australian star Phil Veivers has been appointed assistant coach to Huddersfield Giants.

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