SAINTS' hopes of a third successive Grand Final Trophy have suffered a massive setback with the loss of scrum-half and goalkicker Sean Long for the rest of the season.

Man-of-Steel Long sustained left knee ligament damage in a tackle during Monday's win at Huddersfield and saw a specialist and had scans on Tuesday, and he will now undergo a knee reconstruction.

Saints' coach Ian Millward said: "Losing an international half-back of Sean's quality, speed and kicking ability is a serious matter both for the Saints and the game itself. It is another example that life is tough at the top, but team spirit is good and we will soldier on.

"As for the incident itself I believe the tackle was both late and illegal, and I will be interested to learn what the linesman said to the referee. However, the Rugby League judiciary will rule on that, but no matter what they decide nothing will alter the fact that we have to do without Sean Long until 2002".

Already without Tommy Martyn and Wayne McDonald, Saints' selection problems do not end there as they face the biggest game of the season with the visit of Super League leaders Bradford Bulls on Saturday (6.05pm).

For David Fairleigh has been cited by the Rugby League for a tackle at the McAlpine Stadium, and Vila Matautia has had a recurrence of a leg problem. However, the good news is that Sonny Nickle will be free from suspension.

Saints have no contingency plans for new signings, and the likelihood is that Paul Sculthorpe and Paul Wellens will be at half-back, and Mick Higham will probably return after missing the game versus Salford.

Bradford's likely line-up is: Withers; Vaikona, Naylor, Gilmour, Price; H. Paul, R. Paul; Vagana, Lowes, McDermott, Gartner, Radford, Rigon. Substitutes: from Deacon, McKay, Anderson, Fielden, Forshaw.

Super League have organised transport from Saints to Headingley for the Origin game on Tuesday, June 5. Cost including ticket is £12 (£7 concessions).

The Alliance match versus Huddersfield Giants at Moss Lane was abandoned after 59 minutes because of a serious neck injury to Saints' youngster Jon Simms. The loose-forward was taken to hospital but released the following day. Huddersfield were leading 22-0 when the incident occurred and the result will stand.

Barrow's teenage winger Ade Gardner is interesting Saints. Gardner has scored 10 tries this season and has been chosen for the Academy tour of Australia and New Zealand in July.

Saints' game at Hull, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, July 1, has been re-arranged for Saturday, June 30, kick-off 6.05pm.