In a league of their own (From Warrington Guardian)

In a league of their own

LIFELONG St Helens fan Karen Steele has won the ultimate rugby league season ticket, courtesy of Gillette - sponsors of last year's Tri-Nations Series.

Karen was one of more than 5,000 people who entered the Gillette Big Ticket competition during the Tri-Nations, and scooped the top prize when the draw was made in London.

Together with husband Roger - who plays on the wing for Blackbrook ARLFC - Karen will now be a VIP guest at every major rugby league event in the world during 2005.

Included in the prize is a trip to Sydney for the NRL Grand Final, plus the French Championship Final, the Challenge Cup Final and Super League Grand Final. She will then end the year as VIP guest at the Tri-Nations Final.

Karen, a science technician at Newton-le-Willows High School, has supported Saints with her family since childhood.

Karen's son, Ben, aged nine, is also a big rugby league fan, playing stand-off for Crosfields.

The family live in Formby Close, Penketh.