IT'S quite simply every rugby league fan's dream ticket.

A holiday to Sydney for the NRL grand final, a trip to the South of France to watch the French Championship Final, top tickets for the Challenge Cup Final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the Super League grand final at Old Trafford, and a potential Tri-Nations final.

All in the one season, with the promise of VIP treatment, travel, accommodation and the best seats in the house thrown in as part of the prize.

That is the amazing timetable in store during the coming season for Saints fans Karen Steele and husband Roger.

Mother-of-two Karen, 33, won the 'Big Ticket' competition run by Gillette, sponsors of last year's Tri-Nations series. She was the lucky winner out of 5,000 entrants.

This week the Newton High science technician said: "I cannot believe it. It's a dream and couldn't think of anything better for a rugby fan. To think we'll be going to Australia is just incredible."

Karen, originally from St Helens, lives with Roger, 35, and children Ben (nine) and Natalie (six) in Warrington.

However, the family remain fiercely loyal Saints, while Roger, a mechanic, plays for amateurs Blackbrook.

Karen added: "I think Roger walked into the changing rooms on Saturday and they all just started cheering, but I think they've been winding him up saying he'll have to be doing all the washing and cleaning to make sure he gets to go with me."

Karen is due to be presented with the tickets at next month's World Club Challenge clash between Leeds and Canterbury Bulldogs.