SAINTS 'new look' squad is expected to include at least four close-season captures for the fourth round Challenge Cup tie at Featherstone on Sunday, kick-off 1.45pm.

They are world record forward signing Paul Sculthorpe, Brett Goldspink, Paul Atcheson and Chris Smith, but Paul Davidson is still has a one-match suspension to complete.

A trip to inhospitable Post Office Road with its narrow, sloping pitch and partisan home support is not the most welcoming prospect for trophy holders Saints as they start their bid for a hat-trick of Wembley appearances on Saturday, May 2.

The Knowsley Road side will need no reminding that the Featherstone ground has proved a 'graveyard' in the past, including Saints' most recent visit when they lost 34-27 in 1995.

However, that has little relevance to Sunday's clash for just one Rover, Gary H. Price, has survived in the present line-up while only Andy Haigh, Tommy Martyn, Bobbie Goulding, Apollo Perelini, Keiron Cunningham and Ian Pickavance remain in Saints' ranks. First Division strugglers last season, Featherstone were walloped 32-14 at Whitehaven on Sunday, but there will be no complacency from a Saints team who will be totally focused on preventing a giant-killing act.

On an individual note Paul Newlove will make his first appearance for Saints against the club where his career began, and he could be marking his younger brother Richard. While former Halifax star Asa Amone is also included in a Featherstone team coached by Steve Simms.

The referee is Russell Smith and the complete match will be televised on BBC2 with commentary by John Champion. Radio Merseyside coverage is on 14.85 medium wave.

Stand tickets price £11 and £10 will remain on sale at Knowsley Road until Friday at 5pm. Ground admission is £8 and £4. Coach bookings are £6.50 leaving at 11.15am.

The draw for the fifth round will be televised on the BBC 'North West Tonight' programme on Monday, February 16, at 6.55pm.

Saints have signed centre Damien Smith from the Sydney St. George club. 23-years-old, the 6ft 2in 14 stone Queenslander was released from his contract for disciplinary reasons and comes to Knowsley Road on a two-year deal.

Saints and Warrington could clash at Anfield on Sunday, April 26, but the fixture is subject to confirmation.

A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Luke Bryan Appeal will be held at Haydock C and B Club on Thursday, March 19, from 7.30pm. Many RL personalities are expected to attend an event at which the speakers will Paul Forber and Andy Gregory and the comedian is Shaun Styles. Tickets price £20 are available from Linda Travis on 01942 276293 or committee members. Saints will hold another of their popular soirees at the Haydock Thistle Hotel on Thursday, February 26, from 7.30pm. Speaker is Doctor Kevin Jones and comedian Jimmy Bright. A three-course dinner is included in the prices of £30.

The club will also stage a Sporting Forum in the cabaret room on Friday, March 27, from noon. Speakers are Eddie Hemmings and Mike Stephenson, and a three-course lunch is included in the price of £20.

Bookings for these events may be made by telephoning Andy Foreman or Julie Hesketh on St. Helens 758269.

The annual meeting of shareholders will be held in the banqueting room on Friday, February 27, at 7.15pm.

Saints' Alliance side will play Widnes at Knowsley Road on Wednesday, February 18, kick-off 7.30pm.

Answer to correspondent Arthur Noble of Peasley Cross: Saints defeated Carcassonne 24-22 at Knowsley Road on Thursday, October 5, 1950. The team was: Bellard; Llewellyn, Gullick, Harrison, Adair; Hesketh, Honey; Moss, Blakemore, Whittaker, Parsons, Cale, Garbler.

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