FURIOUS Saints have slammed Super League's decision to play their World Club Championship showdown against Brisbane Broncos at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on Friday, January 26, kick-off 7.30pm.

Said disappointed chief executive Malcolm Kay: "We have been trying to bring the game to Knowsley Road since Saints' Grand Final win in October, because supporters expressed dismay by staying away when the match was staged at Wigan's JJB stadium in January. We presented our argument on several occasions but were out-voted at the Super League meeting, even though all Saints wanted was to ensure the visit of the Australian champions was an outstanding success.

"What would have been better for Saints fans than to have the best teams from both hemispheres battling it out at a packed Knowsley Road? But Super League believe they can fill the 25,000-capacity Reebok ground, although it is not a Rugby League core area. Although two Saints officials attended the crucial meeting, we felt it was a fait accompli in that the decision had already been made, and we were not happy that fellow Super League clubs did not support our bid to play at Knowsley Road. We stood up for the town's best interests but were defeated, and Saints had no control over the day, kick-off time or admission charges for the big clash with Brisbane Broncos.

"However, although we cannot reverse Super League's ruling, Saints board are confident that our supporters will get behind the team to bring the trophy back to Knowsley Road for the first time," ended Mr Kay.

ISSA press officer Russ Fairclough commented: "Fans are disgusted by this decision. Rugby League has suffered enough negative imagery with World Cup games played in vast stadiums which appear empty.

"To be fair to Saints' board they did everything possible to bring the game to Knowsley Road, and were even willing to pull out if the decision went against them, until Super League threatened to replace Saints with Wigan."

Super League spokesman Andrew Whitelam said the fact that the Reebok Stadium had under-soil heating had some influence on the decision, while there was a strong possibility that admission charges would be reduced from those in Saints' previous game against Melbourne Storm.

* Paul Wellens and Keiron Cunningham have been named in the World Cup Team of the Week. Paul Sculthorpe is expected to be fit to play for England against New Zealand at Bolton on Saturday.

* Season tickets go on sale at Knowsley Road on Monday, November 20, from 9am.

* The Supporters Club is running a coach to the World Cup Final at Old Trafford on Saturday, November 25. It will leave the ground at noon, and cost to members is £6, non-members £8.

* Saints are to give two people chance to train with the team for a day in a fund-raising competition in aid of BBC's Children in Need appeal. The prize will be auctioned on BBC GMR (95.1FM) on Friday, November 17, between 7 and 10pm.

* Out-of-contract utility player Jason Johnson has been released by Saints, and the club also invite offers for hooker John Hamilton, who still has another year of his current deal remaining.

* Saints' former prop Apollo Perelini is to be honoured with a special presentation by members of St Teresa's Club, Newtown, on Friday, November 24, at 8pm. Tickets, price £2, are available from the club in Windsor Road or from secretary Alan Dootson on 600413.