AUSTRALIAN centre Mark Gasnier is top of Saints coach Ian Millward's shopping list as a replacement for the long-serving Paul Newlove, who will be leaving at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old St George three-quarter is one of three overseas players in list A of options who Millward would like to secure on a three-year deal.

If the irons in the fire Down Under go cold, Saints have an 'Option B' list of young British Super League centres they would be interested in.

Millward said: "We have spoken to the agents of Mark Gasnier, Willie Talau and Nigel Vagana - all three are international quality centres. We have enquired about how much they would cost in the marketplace.

"I am looking for the next Paul Newlove - he has been an unbelievable player for this club. I want a younger version of Paul, who I can put on a three year contract. Contrary to speculation we have not signed Talau - I don't mind saying my first target would be Gasnier. But Vagana has a friendship with Paul Sculthorpe dating back to their Warrington days, so everything is not cut and dried yet.

"We are trying to get one of those three - and if we miss out on those we have an Option B list identifying a couple of young English centres.

"They will be Super League players - we need a proven strike player there."

Paul Newlove will be out for 10 weeks after having surgery on a dislocated thumb. But the Saints boss has poured cold water on suggestions that both Newlove and Tommy Martyn will be leaving before the end of the season.

"Paul's injury is a big loss to us, because even though he is leaving at the end of the year, he has been one of our best players.

"But we will get him back for the run in and let's hope we can provide him with the farewell at Old Trafford he deserves. That also goes for Tommy and anyone else we release this year.

"Tommy and Paul are very important in our plans for the rest of the season."

With Newlove out for the trip to league leaders Leeds, (Friday, 8pm) Millward faces a selection headache for the centre spot. Moving back rower Darren Smith to mark one of the game's most potent strike players, Keith Senior, would seem the obvious solution.

"There has been a lot of improvement since the Hull game - and if we continue to improve we will win and continue to win," Millward said.

H Saints chief executive Sean McGuire, chairman Eamonn McManus and possibly coach Ian Millward will be answering questions at the Supporters Club meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 7.30pm in Touchlines. It is a members only meeting and those attending must produce their membership cards.

H Saints have submitted documentation to the RFL in support of their appeal against the deduction of two points for an alleged salary cap breach. The process is expected to take a month.