ST HELENS will return to the Reebok Stadium for their defence of their world club title as they again do battle with Australia's finest next season.

The Rugby Football League today announced the Super League champions' clash with Australian National Rugby League counterparts Sydney Roosters in the annual World Club Challenge would take place at the Reebok Stadium on February 14.

Saints, who beat Bradford in the Grand Final, have happy memories of the Bolton arena having edged out Brisbane Broncos there in a thrilling contest in 2001.

Chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Now that the decision has been made to play at the Reebok Stadium, let's get behind the team with the same passion and the same numbers as we did at Old Trafford."

"That level of support is the difference between winning titles and not. Let's look to fill the Reebok Stadium with the famous red V."

The match is the fourth to be played since the World Club Challenge concept was revived as a curtain raiser to seasons on both sides of the globe.

Super League clubs have won the past two fixtures with Bradford beating Newcastle Knights at the McAlpine Stadium earlier this year. Saints also featured in the 2000 match when they lost heavily to Melbourne Storm at the JJB Stadium.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis said: "The 2003 World Club Challenge will be a fantastic contest between two champion clubs who each boast some of the world's best players.

"We hope that St Helens can continue the British dominance of the event and emulate their tremendous achievement of beating the Brisbane Broncos.

"The last two World Club Challenges have proved that playing standards in the Tetley's Super League are increasing all the time and we feel certain that St Helens will be great representatives of the competition.

"The Reebok Stadium is a world-class sporting venue and we would encourage all rugby league fans throughout the country to get to the game and back Saints in their battle against the Roosters."