Chris Caisley has been left in no doubt what it would mean to St Helens if they became the first side to beat Bradford Bulls in the Tetley's Super League at Valley Parade.

Including a play-off match, the champions have won all 17 of their league contests in a season and a bit at the home of Bradford City.

But Bulls chairman Caisley today revealed how much it would mean to Saints coach Ian Millward if their side could prevent them from making it 18 from 18 in their clash there on Saturday, April 20.

"Ian came up to me at the man of Steel dinner at the end of last season and said winning at Valley Parade is one of his main priorities this season," said Caisley.

"He was not happy when we beat them 31-24 last March and 27-14 last August.

"We have already seen off two of our main league rivals Hull (home) and Wigan (away) this season, and Challenge Cup semi-final rivals St Helens and Leeds stand in our way as form teams."

Added Caisley: "Ian also made some disparaging comments last season about Henry Paul's kicking being more suited to soccer, and he is going to have his team well wound up for their visit to Valley Parade.

"The atmosphere will be even more awesome if they beat Leeds in the cup this weekend.

"The St Helens fans are already rocking and rolling this season. Their new board have taken on many of the ideas that we formulated in the past, and it seems to be working for them.

"Also it will be a better atmosphere on a Saturday night than it would be on a Friday, although there was very little difference in preference from our fans between Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.

"We have had some great summer Saturday nights at Odsal, and 6pm on Saturday was our preferred starting time.

"It leaves people free to do what they want during the day - be that going out, gardening, shopping or having a few beers - but the kick-off isn't so late that they will be getting home at 11pm in case they have something to do the next day."

l Former Bulls half-back Glen Tomlinson, now with Batley Bulldogs, has been suspended for six matches and fined £200 for use of threatening words to a referee.

The Rugby Football League's disciplinary committee imposed the punishment after Tomlinson was sent off during Batley's 34-8 Buddies National League Cup Central section defeat by Dewsbury Rams on March 29.

Ben Thaler of Normanton refereed the match.

A spokesman for the disciplinary committee said: "The Rugby Football League takes a very dim view of match officials being intimidated and the length of the suspension imposed by the disciplinary committee reflects its concern."