SAINTS' took the first major team-building step for next season in signing Sydney-born pack star Brett Goldspink from Oldham on Wednesday.

No transfer fee was involved with the player being a free agent, and Saints have leased Brett from the Australian Super League on a one-year contract funded by the Sign-a-Saint lottery.

The son of former Kangaroo Kevin Goldspink, 27-year-old Brett stands 6ft 3in, tips the scale at 16st. 7lb, and formerly played for Illawarra Steelers, South Sydney and Perth Western Reds.

Said Brett: 'Although Oldham were relegated I enjoyed the experience of European Super League, and I am looking forward to playing with a Saints' team that has won three trophies in two seasons.'

Meanwhile. Saints' utility player Andy Northey, who was recruited from Waterloo in 1994, returned to Rugby Union on Tuesday when he put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with Northampton. Saints are understood to have received a transfer fee of around £50,000 for the local lad who made 40 full appearances and 34 substitutions in which he scored 21 tries

But Northey has been unable to command a place in the starting line-up this season and, with his future in mind, reluctantly felt the time had come to move on

"Everyone at Saints has been helpful to me," said Andy, "and I thank them one and all and, with Rugby Union being a winter game, no doubt I will be back on the Saints' terraces next season."

Double-seeking Saints are facing another injury crisis as they prepare to face Castleford in a Premiership semi-final tie at Knowsley Road on Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.

For beleaguered coach Shaun McRae had only16 fit players as the Star went to press, with at least six others being under intensive treatment as Saints bid to reach a second successive Old Trafford showdown. The Tigers will arrive fresh from their magnificent triumph over Bradford Bulls, and understandably are expected to name an unchanged squad, which will include former Blackbrook amateur star Jason Critchley.

Castleford: Flowers: Gay, Vowles, Critchley, Smith; Davis, Ford: McKell, Russell, Sykes, Schick, Lidden, Tuuta. Substitutes Orr, Steadman, Tonks, Harland.

Referee is Russell Smith, the complete match will be screened on Sky, and a curtain-raiser between

St. Helens Schools Under-16s and Blackpool kicks-off at 5.30pm

Senior citizen Gerry Doyle is seeking information on a threequarter named Unsworth who played for Saints at the turn of the century. Mr. Doyle can be contacted on St. Helens 29608.

Saints' end-of-season presentation dinner will be held at Haydock Park next Tuesday, September 23, from 7.15pm. The event will be sponsored by McEwan-Lager, compere is Eddie Hemmings and a live band and disco will play for dancing. Tickets price £30 are on sale to groups or individuals, and are available from the commercial department on St. Helens 23697.

Three-quarter stars Alan Hunte and Anthony Sullivan have been named in the Stones Bitter 'Dream Team' and attended the celebratory function in Bradford on Tuesday.

The Past Players Association is organising a coach to the Premiership Finals at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 28. Seats may be booked by telephoning secretary Geoff Pimblett on St. Helens 24611. A Sportsman's Dinner in aid of the Luke Bryan Appeal will be held at Haydock Cricket Club on Friday, September 26. Speakers are David Howes and Joe Lydon; comedian is Jimmy Carroll and compere Malcolm Lord. Tickets £20 from Linda Travis 01942-276293 or Eric Smith St. Helens 601099.

The Junior Saints' club have organised a trip to Blackpool Lights on Tuesday, October 7. Cost is £3.50 for children and £4 adults, and further details are obtainable from Aunty Freda on St. Helens 602253.

Answer to correspondent Len Walsh, of Toll Bar: Alex Murphy made his debut for Saints against Whitehaven at Knowsley Road on April 16, 1956, Saints won 22-7 with their tries coming from Alec Davies (3) and Eric Ledger, while Arthur Pimblett kicked five goals.

Saints' team was: Pimblett; Ledger, Howard, Senior, Davies; Smith, Murphy; Maughan, O'Mara, Gaskell, Parsons, Robinson, Garbler.

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