BOOSTED by that splendid victory at Halifax, Saints are hoping for a five-figure gate when Auckland Warriors come to Knowsley Road tomorrow (Friday) in a historic launch to the World Club Championship.

The eagerly-awaited clash, which kicks-off at 7.30pm, heralds the start of a competition in which 12 European Super League clubs and 10 from Australia have been divided into Pools A and B in both hemispheres.

Each side plays half of the teams from the other side of the world. Saints entertain Cronulla Sharks on Monday, June 16, kick-off 7.45pm, and Penrith Panthers on Sunday, June 22, kick-off 6.35pm.

Each of the four pool tables will decide the qualifiers when Phase Two ends in August, with the major prize money being £400,000 for the winners, £200,000 runners-up and £50,000 for the semi-finalists.

The final is scheduled to be played on the ANZ ground, Brisbane, on Saturday, October 18.

Meanwhile, preparations have been proceeding for the visit of Auckland, with 16-1-rated Saints giving the game the big-match treatment, including the appearance of 'St. Bernadette's' dancers, a Maori cultural group and Super League mascots.

Although currently bottom of the Australian Super League, the Warriors are certain to provide Saints with an almighty challenge, and a squad captained by Matthew Ridge will also include names with a familiar ring in Tea Ropati and Denis Betts.

Auckland jetted into Manchester on Tuesday and are staying at Wrightington Country Club and training at the Springfield Park ground of Wigan Athletic soccer club.

Team news from Saints is that half-a-dozen of the 'walking wounded' could return to action, with the most remarkable recovery being that of hooker Keiron Cunningham, who underwent a knee operation just 10 days ago.

Others set to make their comebacks include Apollo Perelini, Steve Prescott and Chris Joynt, while Ian Pickavance will be clear of suspension.

Dean Busby and Andy Haigh are also expected to be fit after suffering ankle damage at Halifax, while skipper Bobbie Goulding will continue to battle through the pain barrier as he awaits hernia surgery. The referee is Stuart Cummings. Admission prices have been pegged at normal Super League rates, and television coverage on the Sky channel starts at 7pm.

Stand tickets for all three World Club Challenge games are on sale at Knowsley Road, price £13.

Chris Joynt has raised certain non-contractual differences with Saints but, in the meantime, remains fully committed to the club.

However, utility forward Ian Pickavance has asked to be placed on the transfer list, and cites contractual problems as the reason for his discontent. It is understood Saints have turned down the request.

Suspended packman Andy Northey has denied he is interested in moving to Wigan and will be available for selection against Penrith Panthers.

Saints Academy team defeated Halifax 30-26 at Thrum Hall on Sunday. Their tries were scored by Paul Bailey (3), Steve Hall, Danny Butler and John Hamilton, and Kelvin Peet kicked three goals. Leeds will visit Knowsley Road on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Forthcoming events in the Luke Bryan Appeal Fund includes a fun-run at Sankey Valley on Sunday, June 15. Sponsorship forms from Paul Savage St. Helens 752212; Tony Haughey 608932 or Village News, Church Road, Haydock. Saints are to stage their first-ever Golf Classic day at the Blundells Hill club, Rainhill, on Wednesday, July 18, from 1pm. Entry fee is £325 plus VAT for a four man team, while reservations will also be accepted for dinnner and cabaret only price £30. Further details from Andy Foreman or Mike Callaghan on St. Helens 758269.

Despite reports that they have targeted Nathan McAvoy (Salford), Toa Kohe-Love and Paul Sculthorpe (Warrington) plus Craig Weston (Huddersfield), Saints say any possible signings are on hold until after the World Club Challenge programme.

Saints Alliance side won 22-10 against Halifax at Knowsley Road. Tries were scored by Brian Capewell (2), Alan Cross and James Briers, and John Waterworth kicked three goals.

Western Samoan forward Apollo Perelini and his wife Selina became the proud parents of their first child when son Celab arrived in hospital on Friday.

Rugby League fanatic Angela Williams is looking for video footage of Saints' and Great Britain 'Wild Bull of the Pampas' Vince Karalius, on whom her schoolboy son, James, is modelling his game after signing for Warrington. Mrs. Williams can be contacted on 01925-65079. Further to recent reports that Saints had played on no fewer than 14 soccer grounds, it has been revealed by supporter Curtis Johnstone that they also appeared on the Stockport County ground at Edgeley Park. The match was a first round Lancashire Cup tie versus Broughton Rangers on Saturday, March 9, 1940, which Saints lost 10-3 after winning the first leg 26-7. The team printed in the official programme was: Butler; Powell, Waring, Stott, Garner; Bradbury, Briscoe; Davies, Fishwick, Grundy, Fearnley, Finney, Twist. Saints lost 5-0 at Wigan in round two.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.