St Helens will look to preserve Great Britain's recent dominance when they take on Australian champions Sydney Roosters in Friday's World Club Challenge.

Although Australia still rule at Test-match level, British clubs have won six of the eight Challenge contests since Wigan beat Manly in 1987.

Saints struck a major blow for Britain when they pulled off a stunning 20-18 victory over a star-studded Brisbane Broncos in 2001.

And Bradford Bulls proudly flew the flag 12 months ago when they hammered Newcastle Knights.

We're a pretty strong side - we proved that last year Roosters captain Brad Fittler

Now Super League champions Saints are looking to complete a hat-trick of British wins at the Reebok Stadium.

"We got a big buzz out of it in 2001 and it's not a short memory, it lasts for a whole season," said their Australian coach Ian Millward.

"It's a great feeling to go to every Super League game and be announced as the world champions. That's a very special title to carry."

The Roosters are equally desperate to lay claim to that title, and arrived in England eight days ago to prepare.

Skipper Brad Fittler, the former Kangaroos captain, has sought information on Saints from Great Britain forward Adrian Morley, entering his third year with the Roosters.

Fittler's old Roosters half-back partner Adrian Lam, now at Saints' arch rivals Wigan, has also proved informative.

Wellens boosts Saints

"They're a good side," said Fittler. "We've been watching videos and we know a few of their players.

"It will be a good test of how we are mentally. We're a pretty strong side - we proved that last year - and how we bounce back will be a good indication of how we're going to go."

St Helens are boosted by the return of hugely-influential loose forward Paul Sculthorpe and talented full-back Paul Wellens to a virtual full-strength team.

Wellens is back earlier than expected after a broken jaw and knee surgery.

Jason Hooper plays at stand-off with fellow new signing Darren Smith taking his place in a new-look pack.

Mick Higham deputises for hooker Keiron Cunningham while John Stankevitch is preferred to Barry Ward.

The Roosters are missing only full-back Luke Phillips and Saints are certain to target Anthony Minichiello, who is moved from the wing to plug the gap.

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St Helens: Wellens; Stewart, Gleeson, Newlove, Albert; Hooper, Long; Britt, Higham, Stankevitch, Joynt (capt), Smith, Sculthorpe.
Subs: Ward, Jonkers, Martyn, Edmondson.

Sydney Roosters (probable): Minichiello; Byrne, Hodges, Flannery, Hegarty; Fittler (capt), Finch; Cayless, Wing, Cusack, Morley, Fitzgibbon, Ricketson.
Subs: Crocker, Catic, Payten, Lomu.

Referee: Russell Smith (Castleford).