DRAWN away in every round last season, Silk Cut Cup holders Saints were again first out of the hat this year when the fifth round pairings were made on Monday.

For after defeating Wigan at home on Saturday, they will now face the winners of the Hull-Huddersfield replay at Knowsley Road on Sunday, February 22, kick-off 3pm.

Coach Shaun McRae, skipper Bobbie Goulding and chief executive David Howes will be at the Boulevard tonight, Thursday, to run the rule over Saints' next opponents.

The Knowsley Road team are quoted as 6/4 favourites to retain the Challenge Cup.

Club chairman Eric Ashton and David Howes will attend a disciplinary meeting in Leeds tomorrow, Friday, when incidents which occurred in the match against Wigan will be investigated.

Injury up-date from Knowsley Road is that Keiron Cunningham is receiving treatment for rib cartilage damage suffered in the victory of Wigan. Joey Hayes is making an excellent recovery after knee surgery and is undergoing rehabilitation. Andy Haigh is also on the mend after a viral infection and is expected to start running shortly.

Coach Nick Halafihi takes his Academy side to Ireland this weekend for games against Bangor Vikings tomorrow, Friday, and Tallaght Tigers, Dublin, on Sunday.

Saints' Alliance team lost 12-6 in the first round of the Challenge Cup against Oldham at Stalybridge Celtic FC on Thursday. Their points came from a try by Kevin O'Loughlin and a goal from Brian Capewell.

Transfer-listed forwards Simon Booth and Richard Sheils are reported to be interesting Widnes Vikings.

Meanwhile Saints have denied making a move for Jason Donohue of Bradford Bulls.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Gus O'Donnell kidney machine appeal will be held at the Stakis Hotel on Friday, April 25. Tickets price £17.50 are available from Jimmy O'Sullivan on St. Helens 28148.

The next meeting of the Junior Saints' club will be held in the cabaret room on Monday, March 3, at 6.15pm. Details from Aunty Freda on St. Helens 602253.

St. Helens Referees' Society will hold an open forum for fans at Knowsley Road on Thursday, March 6, at 8pm. Referees attending will include Steve Ganson, David Campbell, Karle Kirkpatrick, Stuart Cummings and John and Robert Connolly. Details from 0151-431-1752.

Saints Travel Club are organising trips to Paris on Saturday, April 5. Prices at £109, £85 and £49.50, and bookings may be made at the Superstore or secretary's office.

The club annual meeting will be held in the banqueting room on Monday, March 10, at 7.15pm.

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