Cash-strapped St Helens expect to make �500,000 from their run to the Challenge Cup final.

The club recently revealed they lost �2.3m in the last two years despite their on-field success.

But new chief executive Brian Kelly believes reaching the final this year will provide a big boost to their finances.

"We are looking at a net profit of six figures, even though the bonus for winning has been cut from �150,000 to �50,000," said Kelly.

Feel-good factor

"But the spin-off for me as chief exec is in sponsorship - everybody wants to be involved with success. It makes life a lot easier when you're trying to get sponsors.

"In terms of overall benefit for the club - the feel-good factor in the town and the generation of the Saints experience on tour - I think you are looking at �500,000 benefit to the club."

The club also hope to wipe out just over �1m of its debt with a share issue in readiness for their proposed move to a new stadium.

St Helens' finances have been given a further boost by the increase in crowd numbers over the last couple of years.

Recall

Average attendances have grown from 8,779 last season to 11,782 this year.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Saints have recalled goalkicking stand off John Braddish from Oldham to ease their injury crisis in the build-up to their cup final showdown with Wigan.

The 21-year-old, on a long-term loan with Oldham, was expecting to play for the Northern Ford Premiership side at Hunslet on Sunday in the National League Cup.

Instead, he could line out for Saints in the Super League at Bradford on Saturday.

Braddish has kicked 48 goals, scored three tries and landed two drop goals in 15 Oldham appearances this season.