LEAGUE leaders Saints face the ultimate test of their championship potential when they visit Bradford tomorrow, Friday (7.30pm) - their 13th game of the season!

Unbeaten since the opening day, when the Bulls won 32-10 at Knowsley Road, Saints will enter fortress Odsal determined to avenge that humiliation and earn a first Super League victory at the daunting stadium.

Challenge Cup holders Bulls - who lost to Saints in the 1999 Grand Final - are currently three points behind Saints in lying third with 19 points from 11 games, so the eagerly awaited clash is a real 'four-pointer.'

Rumours that Test hooker Keiron Cunningham, who damaged an ankle Castleford on May 7, would be fit to make a shock return to Saints' line-up have been dismissed by the player himself.

Freddie Tuilagi (ankle) and Tommy Martyn (calf) face late checks, while the other 'walking wounded' Vila Matauita (shoulder) and Sean Hoppe (broken hand) will continue to be sidelined for at least a fortnight

Bradford could be without prop Brian McDermott, who was sent off at Warrington, and the likely squad is: Spruce; McAvoy, Naylor, Brooker, Pryce; H. Paul, R. Paul; Anderson, Lowes, Fielden, Forshaw Boyle, Mackay. Substitutes Deacon, Peacock, Withers, Smith. Former Knowsley Road favourite Bernard Dwyer, who joined Bradford in 1995, will be introduced to the crowd after announcing his retirement from the game.

Sky television and Radio Merseyside coverage (1485 wavelength) begins at 7pm, and Supporters Club coaches leave Saints at 5.15pm, fare £6.50 and £8.50.

The Junior Saints' Club trip to Odsal departs at 4pm and further details can be obtained from auntie Freda on 602253.

The Alliance team won 20-17 at Hull. Tries were scored by John Kirkpatrick (2), Tony Stewart and John Braddish, who also kicked two goals. Saints will entertain Wakefield on Wednesday, June 7, kick-off 7.30pm. Saints' football director Eric Hughes is set to become a double agent! For he has also been appointed head coach at Liverpool St. Helens for next season, which both clubs see as a further strengthening of links between the two codes.

The Academy side lost 42-35 against Hull at Knowsley Road on Sunday. They travel to Bradford on Friday, kick-off 5.20pm.

Saints player of the 1970s Mike Nolan is the new chairman of Leigh. Ashton-based Mike previously held a similar position at Wigan.

Friday's fund-raising dinner at Knowsley Road resulted in another healthy boost for Saints' finances. Said director and organiser Joe Spencer: 'It was a night to remember and I am grateful to Alan Rowley, Ken Winstanley, David Topping, Jimmy O'Sullivan, Les Jones, Mel Griffiths and restaurant managers John and Mary Dixon.'

Saints players are to take on the press - at crown green bowls! The awesome clash will be held at Windle Bowling Club, Hard Lane, next Monday, June 5, from 1pm.

The First Friday club luncheon takes place tomorrow at the St. Helens Hilton, from noon. Speaker is former police superintendent Eric Jones. Further details from Helen Lawrenson on 23697.

The Independent Supporters Association will meet at the Unison club, Bishop Road, on Thursday, June 22, from 7.30pm.

Chris Joynt's try against Hull was the 99th of his professional career. The open day for supporters will be held at Knowsley Road on Sunday, June 25, starting at 12 noon.

The Past Players Association annual dinner will be held in the cabaret room on Friday, June 9, from 7.30pm Speaker is Neil Holding, comedian Norman Price and compere Lennie Lowe. Details from Geoff Pimblett on 24611.

Saints' 'Smart School' project goes from strength to strength in fostering links with local schools and the community. Spearheaded by development officer Mike Rush, Gordon Pennington and Geoff Pimblett, it provides a complete range of initiatives such as pupil workshops, complimentary packs, follow-up support etc. The official Supporters Club has donated £400 towards kit for the coaching staff at the summer camp, while the Margaret Whittle Cup competition is in full swing among Year Six youngsters in the town. Further details from Mike or Gordon on 23697.

Senior citizen Ted Wood has died after supporting Saints for more than 40 years. Ted was a stand season ticket holder and saw Saints lift the Challenge Cup five times and, despite ill-health, enjoyed the recent victory at Castleford.

Answer to correspondent Harry Lomax, of Ravenhead: Saints' team that defeated Bradford Bulls at 40-32 at Wembley in 1996 was: Prescott (2t); Arnold (2t), Gibbs, Newlove, Sullivan; Hammond, Goulding (4g); Perelini (t), Cunningham (t), Joynt, Booth (t), Northey. Substitutes Hunte, Matautia, Martyn, Pickavance.