Saints not fazed by Bulls cup draw (From Warrington Guardian)

Saints not fazed by Bulls cup draw

SAINTS will renew their hostilities with their old foes from Bradford earlier than anticipated after Monday night's Powergen Challenge Cup draw paired Ian Millward's men with last season's double winners.

The luck of the draw threw up what is always one of the rugby league season's most eagerly awaited crunch-clashes, with the BBC televised game taking place at Odsal on Sunday, February 29. (2.15pm)

But the trip to the current cup holders does not seem to faze anybody at Saints - with 'bring 'em on' seemingly the message from coach Millward.

Millward said: "My first reaction is one of excitement. It holds no fear for us going there. I had a sixth sense that we would draw one of the top four first up, so I was ready for it and even hoping for it.

"I don't think either team will be at an advantage, although their World Club Challenge game might hasten their readiness. We are really hungry, keen and excited by it. We want to be at the Millennium Stadium in May, if Bradford have got to be in the way, then so be it.

"Also, it is easier to prepare for a game like Bradford than a trip to an amateur or National One team."

Tonight (Thursday, 7.30pm) Saints conclude their pre-season build up with Chris Joynt's testimonial game against Widnes at Knowsley Road.

The same squad that took on Salford last week, plus Darren Albert and Mick Higham, will take on a Vikings side with more than a few points to prove after their World Sevens trip Down Under.

Millward said: "I think both teams will rip in to each other, which is good.

"Most testimonial matches this year have featured weakened teams, but this one will be full on.

"Spots are still up for grabs and we need a proper hit out because last Friday was a little bit restrictive with the weather.

"All I can say to the fans is come along and tell me who your best 17 is, because 21 players will be on view and four of those are going to miss out when we kick off against Hull the following week."

Joynt, who relinquished the club captaincy last month, said he was looking forward to a big season.

"I can solely concentrate on my own game now, although Scully has asked me to give him a prod if I think I can assist him. I am looking for a really big season, so that Ian (Millward) will say at the end of it 'Will you have one more year?' So I can turn round and say no thanks!" Joynt said.

Bradford will be having another meeting with a St Helener this Friday night when they take on Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge match at Huddersfield.

The man in the middle will be St Helens whistler Steve Ganson, who is pleased to add another feather to his cap.

"I think the fact that they have chosen me for such a prestigious game shows I must be doing something right. I think it also vindicates my decision to send off Adrian Morley in last year's Ashes series, despite a quite partisan reaction from the home crowd," he said.

Saints suffered an unexpected blow on Monday when the Transfer Tribunal ruled that they had to pay Wigan Warriors a transfer fee for prop forward Ricky Bibey.

They ruled that Saints should pay Wigan an initial fee of £20,000 to be followed by further payments of £10,000 after Bibey has made 15 team first appearances.

A further £10,000 is payable after 15 more first team appearances and yet another £10,000 if he is selected to play for Great Britain.

The club had initially brought him in believing he was free agent.

They can draw consolation from the fact that the 22-year-old prop had a blinder on Friday night and seems the sort of player Millward can mould into the finished article.

Saints coach Ian Millward has asked fans to play their part in helping Saints cast their scouting net further afield.

"If we recruited guys from Scotland, Wales or Cumbria, would there be anyone prepared to take that player on board and give them lodgings?" he asked.

Those interested should contact football manager Kel Coslett at the club.

The Independent Saints Supporters Association hold their next meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at Touchlines, 7.30pm.

This is Rugby League magazine is relaunched next week with double the number of pages for 75p. It features a full colour glossy A3 Saints team poster.