THE launch of the Super League and with it the dawn of an exciting new era for Rugby League finds Saints making the long trek to Derwent Park, Workington, on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

And the omens are that a soaring Saints side, boosted by their march to Wembley, will maintain a run of success at the Cumbrian outpost stretching back to 1980, which includes a record 66-22 win last September.

The only change in the knowsley Road line-up from the side that defeated Widnes in the Cup semi-final is the return of winger Joey Hayes for Alan Hunte, who is carrying an ankle injury.

The referee is Mr. Stephen Presley of Castleford.

Squad jersey numbers for Super League are as follows: 1. Prescott; 2. Hayes. 3. Gibbs. 4. Newlove. 5. Sullivan. 6. Hammond. 7. Goulding PICTURED HERE). 8. Perelini. 9. Cunningham. 10. Pickavance. 11. Joynt. 12. Booth. 13. Busby. 14. Arnold. 15. Fogerty. 16. McVey. 17. Leathem. 18. Haigh. 19. Waring. 20. Martyn. 21. Hunte. 22. Matautia. 23. Northey. 24. Morley. 25. Veivers.

Wembley tickets of various prices are still on sale at Knowsley Road, and the club has also received a further batch of Super League tickets.

Stand tickets for the game with Wigan will be on sale at the secretary's office on Monday.

The Academy side travel to Leigh on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Saints' revamped souvenir shop will open on Monday at 9am, when the Super League jersey will be on sale.

Alliance coach Brian Case has signed a new two-year contract.

Stockport-based accountant Nigel Hansford took up his new position at Saints on Monday.

Incoming Second Division club South Wales have asked Saints if they can take Mike Riley and John McAtee on loan.

Forthcoming events in the Phil Veivers' testimonial include: Race nights British Sidac, March 29; Horseshoe, Parr, April 4; Vine Tavern, April 11. Ship, Blackbrook, April 16. Psychic Supper, Saints, April 12. Sportsman's Dinner, Sprayhurst, April 19. Further inquiries 892919.

A Saints' fan who wishes to remain anonymous has six vintage club goblets, including Wembley ones, which he wishes to donate to charity. I can supply further information on St. Helens 611861 or 758152.

Answer to correspondent Harry Norris: Saints were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Bradford Northern in seasons 1948/49, 1949/50 and 1950/51. Scores were, Saints first, 4-3, 0-5; 0-0, 0-11; 6-11, 4-0. They failed to score a try in any of these games. Saints had some revenge in a third round tie in season 1955/56 when they defeated Bradford 53-6 at Knowsley Road and went on beat Halifax at Wembley.

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