SUPER League title celebrations hopefully complete, Saints' take the penultimate step to the Premiership Final at Old Trafford when London Broncos come to Knowsley Road on Sunday, kick-off 7pm.

Formed as Fulham in 1980, the visitors are still seeking their first victory over Saints but, strengthened by a considerable Australian influx, they lost by only 24-22 at Knowsley Road in May and by 32-28 in London in July.

Broncos have added former Widnes and Wigan winger Martin Offiah to their ranks, and the Great Britain flyer will be bidding to appear in his ninth championship final.

London will be without winger Scott Roskell who broke his collar-bone in the win over Castleford; hooker Tony Rea could play his final game before retirement, while loose-forward Terry Matterson may return after injury.

Team news from Saints is that Steve Prescott should be fit after damaging a hand on Sunday, as will Chris Joynt who suffered facial bruising after an accidental clash with team-mate Vila Matautia.

That leaves just Andy Northey sidelined from the first team squad, and although he has started light training it is safe to assume that Saints' tried-and-tested utility player will be absent until next season.

The referee on Sunday is Russell Smith; Sky television coverage starts at 6.30pm, and Saints' Academy team _ who lost 20-14 to Warrington - will meet Wakefield in a curtain-raiser kick-off 5pm.

Tickets for Old Trafford will be on sale after the Broncos game price £19, £18, £17, £13, £12, and £11, and also from Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm. Saints Alliance side entertain Leeds tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.30 pm.

Saints starlets Danny Arnold, Andy Leatham and Paul Anderson have been chosen in the Great Britain squad to tour New Zealand in October.

Saints have denied reports that plans for ground re-development have been placed on hold, and it is intended that work will start at the end of next season.

But they have joined the newly-formed Super League Limited company, whose main brief will be to maximise the marketing potential of the novel competition.

A celebration mixed dinner to mark Saints' successes this season will be held at Haydock Park on Thursday, September 12. Tickets price £30 and further information may be obtained from the club, telephone 23697.

The Past Players Association will clash with their Warrington counterparts in a bowls match at the Tetley Walker Club, Long Lane, Warrington, on Saturday, September 14, at 1pm. A coach will leave Knowsley Road at noon and bookings should be made through Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611.

Hooker Keiron Cunningham is in contention with Robbie Paul and Jason Robinson for the Super League player of the year award, which will be decided at a dinner at the Holiday Inn, Manchester, on Tuesday, September 3.

Forthcoming events in the Gus O'Donnell kidney machine appeal include: Race night at Saints September 3, and at Parr Oddfellows September 9. Golf day at Walton Hall September 20. Details from St. Helens 758152 or 751287.

Concluding events in the Phil Veivers testimonial are: Race night at Bridge Inn, Burtonwood, tonight, Thursday. Mixed dinner at Saints, tomorrow, Friday. Further information 892919.

Knowsley Road stalwart Bill Bates is looking for information on matches between Saints and the former Recs club. He can be contacted on St. Helens 454448.

Answer to correspondent Derek Hewitt of Moss Bank; Saints lost 26-18 at Castleford last December. The team was: Arnold; Booth, Gibbs, Newlove, Sullivan; Hammond, Waring; Fogerty, Cunningham, Pickavance, Perelini, Busby, Northey. Substitutes: Haigh, Matautia, Veivers, Leatham (all four scored tries!).

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