AUSTRALIAN League top-dogs Melbourne Storm have thrown down the gauntlet to Super League champions Saints by challenging them to a one-off match.

But the showdown won't necessarily take place at Knowsley Road.

Saints' chairman Howard Morris said: 'The first approach came from Melbourne chief executive David Johns, who telephoned me on Monday morning and said they would be prepared to come over, probably in January.

"I think we could get but a full house against Storm at Knowsley Road, but there a number for factors to be taken into consideration, not least financial viability, because Saints would be responsible for Melbourne's expenses.

"And, with it then being winter, we have to remember our ground does not have under-soil heating, so the question of switching what would effectively be a world 'decider' to another ground - possibly Anfield - needs to be discussed, however reluctantly.

"However, Saints versus Storm is a very exciting prospect, and I believe overall that it is high time the World Club Championship was revived, because the British game has made rapid strides since the embarrassment of 1997," added Mr. Morris

Although that tournament underlined the yawning gap in playing standards between the two countries, Saints - although defeated in all six fixtures - fared better than some with the results being: Cronulla 8-48, 12-28; Auckland Warriors 4-42, 6-70; Penrith Panthers 30-50, 26-32. BBC television commentator Ray French jetted out to Auckland on Monday to record edited highlights of the Tri-Nations Test series, which will be screened on Saturday mornings.

Grand Final T-shirts in the superstore have been reduced from £5.99 to £4.50, while signed mugs cost £3.50. New winter stock includes sweatshirts and polo shirts. Free mug with latter purchase.

Discussions regarding the proposed new ground continue to be on-going between Saints and the the local authority. A full statement will be released next month.

Mr. Morris is to have talks with coach Ellery Hanley regarding an extension to his contract, which still has another season to run.

Saints' doctor and local GP Vivienne Gillanders - who ran in Sunday's Manchester Marathon to raise money for a defibrillator to use at Knowsley Road - finished 54th in a time of 4h.22m. Club media manager David Burke, who competed in aid of a children's charity, was 44th in a time of 2h.51m.

This week's Sign-a-Saint £1000 winner is J. Shepherd (H1450).

Four prizes of £100: Mr R. Herdsman G1078, Mr S. Spencer H5762, Mrs Scoh F2709, Mrs J. Downs C6857.

Five prizes of £25: Mrs E. Dunkley C3705, Mrs M. Grimes C2281, Mr D.G. Liptrott A6109, C. Kenrick G5339, Mr I. Duncan G5656.

Kevin Iro and Paul Atcheson were due to enter hospital yesterday (Wednesday) for hernia operations.

The Independent Supporter's Association will hold their Christmas party at the Unison Club, Bishop Road, on Friday, December 10. Tickets price £3 are available from Linda Edwards or committee members.

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