Join the Dragon Army in Newcastle

It?s hard to believe but only 22 days ago, Saints were 200 seconds away from being 1-6 from its first 7 games. Since Matthew Head?s improvisation in that pivotal play on Anzac Day, Saints have gone on to record a come from behind win against the Wests Tigers and demoralised both South Sydney and Penrith in the last two weeks and now finds itself back in the familiar position of 5-5.

This weekend sees Saints travel to Newcastle minus 5 of its State Of Origin stars (Barrett, Bailey, Cooper, Gasnier and Ryles) to take on the winless Knights. This is a key game for Saints who have a tough period coming up with away games in Melbourne after Origin and a game against North Queensland without many key players at home. It is imperative that Saints win this weekend to sure up a position on the edge of the 8 and to continue the momentum that has built nicely in the last 4 matches. Conversely, Newcastle are 0-9 and faces this challenge without the injured Andrew Johns or representative stars, Danny Buderus or Steve Simpson and will be desperate to end the rut. This promises to be a tough game and Saints will have to be on their game to get these crucial competition points.

Gates open at 3.35pm for a Jersey Flegg kick-off at 3.50pm. Premier League kicks off at 5.30pm and the main game is at 7.30pm ? bring your flags and signs, wear your red and white, bring your voices and Fire Up!

GETTING THERE AND AWAY: Energy Australia Stadium is located on Turton Road, New Lambton. There are a few alternatives on how to get to Newcastle.

For those driving, details on how to get there, view www.whereis.com

Another option is the train and the nearest train station to the ground is Broadmeadow. Trains leave Central at 12.17pm onwards. The only problem is that the last train leaves for Sydney at 9.30pm unless you are travelling to Gosford in which case, it leaves Broadmeadow at 11.29pm and terminates at Gosford. Full information is found at www.cityrail.info

A supporter?s bus is leaving the Steelers Club at 11.30 and picks up more fans at Saints Leagues at 12.30. Bookings can be made on (02) 4225 8299 (Steelers Leagues pick up) or (02) 9587 1966 (Saints Leagues pick up) Prices are $30 for Red V Member adult or $35 for a non-Member and $25 for a Red V Concession Holder or $30 for a non-member concession.

TICKET PRICES: Tickets in the cheapest category are available from the ground for $8 with a Dragons season ticket. Alternatively, you can buy them during the lead-up to the match from Ticketmaster7.com for prices ranging between $19 and $45 for Western Grandstand tickets. Tickets are available online on www.ticketmaster7.com or over the phone on (02) 4941 8282.

WHERE ARE THE ARMY SITTING?: With the reconfiguration of Energy Australia Stadium in the last 18 months, the Army now locates itself on the Southern Hill towards the Eastern corner of the ground. Just look for the red and white when you enter the ground. Anyone who has never been to Newcastle, this trip is definitely recommended.

BEST PUBS: Former Saints? player Darren Treacy?s pub is recommended in Newcastle for a beer before the game. The pub information is as follows: THE CLYDE INN ? Carrington Street, West Wallsend.

Special thanks in compiling this week's information goes to Steven Kehlet