SAINTS have signed Australian forward Heath Cruckshank from Sheffield Eagles and stand-off Radney Bowker from Leigh Centurions. The former has joined until the end of the season, with the latter on a month's loan.

Cruckshank was at Leigh last season and played alongside Bowker and Saints' hooker Mick Higham in the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final defeat by Dewsbury Rams.

Saints boss Ian Millward, who coached both players at Leigh, has moved for the duo with Paul Sculthorpe sidelined with a broken jaw and Vila Matautia banned for four games. But Cruckshan (24) and 22-year-old Bowker are ineligible for Friday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup quarter-final home tie against Huddersfield Giants.

Millward said: "Heath played 18 NRL games for Gold Coast before I took him to Leigh and both players have been signed to add depth to our squad".

Meanwhile, Saints have been given a boost for the tie against Huddersfield with a letter of congratulation from Prime Minister Tony Blair after their recent World Club Challenge triumph.

Mr Blair wrote: "May I offer my congratulations to you and the entire St Helens team for the outstanding performance and tremendous achievement in beating Brisbane Broncos. This magnificent victory ensures St Helens can be officially regarded as the best club side in the world and is a tribute to the determination and hard work of all those involved within the club".

Test hooker, Keiron Cunningham has re-affirmed his commitment to the club's cause in answer to ongoing speculation that he is set to switch to Welsh Rugby Union.

Widely regarded as the best in the world in his position, Keiron said: "The story has been blown up out of all proportion, and as I far as I'm concerned my contract at Saints doesn't expire until 2003, and I shall honour that.

"I have heard the rumours, but the last occasion I was approached by any Welsh club was during the World Cup, and I can only think they are testing the water and, in any case, I don't believe Saints would let me go.

"I don't find all this gossip a distraction and am continuing to enjoy my rugby at Knowsley Road and, having won two Challenge Cup medals with Saints, I will be doing my utmost to ensure we stay on course for Twickenham against Huddersfield on Friday night".

Saints will continue to lack the injured Paul Sculthorpe and Kevin Iro, plus the suspended Vila Matautia, for the tie against the Giants, which kicks off at 8pm.

Huddersfield are now coached by Tony Smith, brother of Brian, and their probable line-up is: Reilly; Frew, Gleeson, Costin, Cardoza; Thorman, Custo; Marshall, Rowley, Laughton, Lomax, Atkins, McNamara. Substitutes: Moxon, Molloy, Molyneux, Turner. Meanwhile, Saints have responded to fans' complaints about alleged shabby treatment at Bradford on Sunday. Chief executive Malcolm Kay said: "We were only told the game was on at noon. Lack of organisation at the turnstiles was the main grouse, and the kick-off was delayed in order to get supporters into the all-seater Valley Parade. Even then, some had to remain standing while the match was in progress. I would urge our supporters to put their complaints in writing to me, and their views will be communicated to Bradford".

Young forward Gareth Price has reverted to Rugby Union in his native Wales on an on-loan basis.

A rugby forum in aid of the Anthony Sullivan testimonial and Willowbrook Hospice will be held in the cabaret room on Thursday, April 3, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from the Hospice Office, Claughton Street, or from members of Anthony's committee.

Rugby League's Director of Rugby Greg McCallum has introduced a new rule whereby a game ends immediately the hooter sounds.

Saints Past Players Association will hold their annual meeting before the home league game against Huddersfield Giants on Friday, March 16, starting at 6pm. Refreshments will follow.

Former Saints packman Bernard Dwyer has been appointed Academy coach by Bradford Bulls. He will also have responsibility for Super League trainees.

Saints have apologised to supporters for any inconvenience caused when last week's Alliance game was switched to Moss Lane. Malcolm Kay said: "Our coaching staff feel players must earn the right to play at Knowsley Road and we have taken the decision to move Alliance matches to Liverpool St Helens".

Saints lost the game against Bradford Bulls 33-26. Their tries were scored by Ray Doonan (2), Mark McCully, Dwayne West and Dave McConnell. John Braddish kicked three goals.