REPORT by Denis Whittle ALL roads will lead to Old Trafford for Saints' fans on Sunday when the double-seeking Knowsley Road side bid to wrest the Premiership Trophy from arch-rivals Wigan Warriors.

The mouthwatering showpiece - which sees Saints' coach Shaun McRae and his predecessor Eric Hughes head-to-head in a final for the first time - kicks off at 3pm, and is an action replay of last year's showdown which Wigan won 44-14.

Other meetings at this stage of the competition saw Wigan victorious 48-16 in 1992 while Saints gained a 10-4 revenge in 1993, with the only survivors from that game being Alan Hunte and Chris Joynt (Saints) and Neil Cowie, Andy Farrell, Jason Robinson, Mick Cassidy and Gary Connolly of Wigan (who was then playing for Saints).

That defeat was the Warriors' last at any stage of the Premiership, and they are poised to enter their sixth successive showdown in which they will strive to lift the silverware for a fourth consecutive season.

However, victory for Silk Cut Cup holders Saints in a record ninth appearance in the final would see them repeat the twin-trophy success of last season (albeit with the Premiership Cup replacing that of Super League) and would see them once again leading the honours field.

Another milestone for Saints is that Sunday's appearance will mark a record fifth successive final following the Regal Trophy, Challenge Cup and Premiership of 1997, and this year's Wembley epic.

Referee is Stuart Cummings, the match will be screened on Sky from 6.30pm, and tickets will remain on sale at Knowsley Road until tonight, Thursday, at 5pm.

Saints will leave Manchester for Brisbane next Monday at 11am and will face the Broncos on Saturday, October 4. The squad of 19 players will be accompanied by chairman Eric Ashton; director Howard Morris; coach Shaun McRae, physiotherapist Janette Smith and kitman Stan Wall.

Winger Anthony Sullivan was named players' player-of-the-year at the presentation evening at Haydock Park on Tuesday. Alan Cross won the Alliance award while Paul Wellens was the Academy choice. Retiring 'St. Bernard' 20-year-old Ben Howes (son of David) was presented with a 'doggie bowl.'

Long-serving gate steward David Coatsworth died in Whiston Hospital on Sunday age 58. Cremation takes place at St. Helens tomorrow, Friday, September 26, at 2pm.

There will be no shortage of local flavour in the Huddersfield team to face Hull in Sunday's Divisional Final at Old Trafford. For ex-Saint Phil Veivers will captain the side from the full-back spot, while another former Knowsley Road star in Jonathan Neill will be in the front row along with St. Helens-born Neil Harmon. Winger Andy Cheetham, who hails from Ashton, completes the Huddersfield-based local quartet. Australian centre Craig Weston, who is reported to be interesting Saints, is also in the Giants' squad.

Saints and Wigan are considering plans to meet twice over Christmas along the lines of last year's Norweb Challenge matches.

Oldham pack star Paul Davidson is set to join the Knowsley Road club after passing a medical and agreeing terms. Saints now have to finalise the deal with Oldham.

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