THE 'will he, won't he sign' guessing game regarding Paul Sculthorpe rumbled on this week.

Saints and Warrington still locked in negotiations to bring the Test forward to Knowsley Road as the Star went to press.

Size of transfer fee and which Saints' players might be included in the deal are the sticking points in a series of discussions which hint of becoming a saga of Iestyn Harris proportions.

But Saints have denied media rumours that Karle Hammond is one of the names pencilled in for a move to Wilderspool, and the player has stated that he is keen to negotiate a new contract at Knowsley Road.

Meanwhile full-back Steve Prescott followed Alan Hunte, Simon Booth, Danny Arnold, Andy Northey and Derek McVey in joining the exodus from Saints when he signed for Hull Sharks yesterday, Wednesday. The former Nutgrove amateur - who made 117 appearances, scored 52 tries and kicked 66 goals in a five-year stint at Saints - put pen to paper on a two-year contract, and will move house to Humberside.

Saints are also reported to be still interested in signing Kevin Iro and have spoken to Castleford winger Chris Smith.

Lucky winners in Saints' 'Christmas Cracker' draw are: £2,000 - D. Cullen. TV - W. Marriott. Holiday - N. Pennington. Hampers - A. Roberts, M. Rodgers. Season tickets - A. Egerton, P. Crosby.

Autographed balls - C. Webster, J. Coakley, E. Sheppard, H. Harper, M. Kershaw. Lager - Mr. Fagan, J. Thorp, T. Littler, P. Eden, M. Ratcliffe, Phil Neal. Whisky - J. Cosgrove, E. Grant, D. Dingsdale, Mr. Else, T. Bebe, Mr. Litherland, T. Leyland, S. Leyland, D. Mainwaring, P. Blinston.

Wine: D. Fox, C. Sullivan, Mrs. Jordan, J. Griffiths, J. Lyon, J. Lever, P. Swift, J. Crosby, E. Roughsedge, I. Griffiths. Winger and senior professional Anthony Sullivan has been appointed Saints' vice-captain.

Saints' ex-Test scrum-half and current head groundsman Neil Holding has completed 20 years service at Knowsley Road.

Former Saints' captain Shane Cooper made his first-team debut in the Liverpool St. Helens side which lost 21-6 to Leeds at Moss Lane on Saturday.

Stand-off Daniel McCormack, of Hamilton Road, Windle, was included in the English Universities RL team which played France at Worcester on Tuesday. Daniel, who is studying law at Leeds University, is the elder brother of Saints' Academy utility player David.

Pre-war Saints' forward Jimmy Cunliffe is a patient in Dove Cottage Hospice, Leicester, and matron Sharon Storey is appealing for a photograph or other item of memorabilia of the player who made 42 appearances and scored 3 tries in 1937/8. Ring me on St. Helens 611861 or 758152 if you can help. Stand tickets for the match at Wigan on Boxing Day are on sale at Knowsley Road price £12. Hospitality package deals are can also be obtained from Andy Foreman and Mike Callaghan. Season tickets and calendars are also available

Looking for that Christmas present that will last all year round? Then Ron Lee of North West Video can end your search with his best-sellers 'Saints Go Marching On' price £14.99. and 'Rugby's Coming Home' at £9.99. They are obtainable at Knowsley Road and other outlets.

Superstore opening hours over the Christmas period are: tomorrow, Friday, 9-2.30pm. Saturday 9-4; Monday and Tuesday 9-5; Wednesday 9-1; Saturday 9-4. Closed until Monday January 5.

Sign-a-Saint winners: £1,000 D. Barton. £100 B. Neary, J. Houghton, Bruen, L. McDonnell. £25 R. Hughes, A. Scott, Joe's Mini, Freeman, T. Rimmer, Westwood. £10 M. Riley, K. Rathbone, A. Leach, K. Sexton, T. Featherstone, E. Scarisbrick, T. Hevey, Worthington, Fairclough, McIntyre, R. Henton, Winnard, s. O'Brien, T. Enston, T. Brown.

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