AUSSIE Test centre Jamie Lyon jetted into England on New Year's Eve and joined his team-mates for his first training session on Monday.

Saints have brought over the 22-year-old Kangaroo three-quarter on a two-year deal as a replacement for Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson, who was sold to Warrington last term.

Lyon, who toured Britain as a 19-year-old in Autumn 2002, is highly rated and could prove to be Saints' trump card if he proves to be the 'new Meninga'.

That title was conferred on him in August when Saints coach Ian Millward declared: "This is the biggest signing for St Helens since Mal Meninga."

That is a very big label to stick around anyone's neck, particularly in St Helens where Big Mal earned legendary status based on a season's work.

The robust centre Lyon, who enjoys hunting wild pigs in his spare time in the Australian outback, is considered to be a gamble on account of his decision to leave the Parramatta club early last season, citing his need to break from city life as a reason.

He later regained his appetite for the game with New South Wales country side Wee Waa Tigers before being captured by Saints.

An interview with Saints' newest recruit will appear in next week's Star.

Tickets for Saints' game with Hull, which takes place on February 2, go on sale next Monday, January 10.

Hull are expected to bring new overseas recruits Stephen Kearney and Nathan Blacklock for the clash which is being staged in aid of Keiron Cunningham's testimonial fund.

Saints' friendly clash with Blackpool is back on - with a changed date.

Although not officially confirmed, it is believed Saints will send a largely under 21 based side to the seaside for the game which is scheduled for Sunday, February 6.

Saints will not be playing Barrow in a friendly this season.

The club were meant to visit the Cumbrians for a third season in succession as part of the deal that brought centre Ade Gardner to Saints, but instead they have given Barrow £15,000 which they would have taken over the turnstile for the game.

Saints' next friendly is away at Widnes on Thursday, January 20.

The Saints Supporters club will be hosting a meet the new players evening at 7pm on Tuesday, January 25.

The platform will feature Jamie Lyon, Paul Anderson and Michael Smith. Non-members are welcome and can join on the evening.

Independent Saints website Redvee.Net has made a welcome return to the internet after an absence of three months due to a server crash.

In its place, a completely redesigned site has emerged for 2005, but will still include all of the information it offered last season.