It’s not just the St Helens players who are gearing up for this May’s engage Super League Millennium Magic event in Cardiff, so is Club mascot St Bernard.

 

The popular dog hit the gym this week as part of an intensive training programme designed to get him in shape for the inaugural Mascot Games that will take place inside the Millennium Stadium alongside six fixtures from the engage Super League on 3 and 4 May.

 

As part of a much improved entertainment programme for the carnival event, Max will be one of 14 mascots taking part in a number of games and races in between the matches on both Saturday and Sunday.

 

To win the Mascot Games though St Bernard is going to have to beat mascots from the 11 other engage Super League clubs, including Max the Warrior from Wigan, St Helens’ Millennium Magic opponents.

 

Hosted by cult comedian Keith Chegwin, the games will also see Sid the Savings Pig from Super League sponsors engage competing alongside the new England Rugby League team mascot who will make his debut in the Welsh capital.

 

Phil Williams, the RFL’s Marketing Manager, said: “After last year’s event fans said they wanted to see a better entertainment package in 2008. The Mascot Games is just part of an exciting and action packed programme we’re planning for both inside and outside the stadium.

 

“This means that supporters heading to Cardiff for the weekend will not only be glued to six games of top class rugby league action, they’ll also be thoroughly entertained in between matches. St Helens fans will also be able to cheer on their team on the Sunday and their mascot over both days.”

 

The Mascot Games is just one part of a much improved entertainment package for this year’s event.

 

Even before a ball is kicked, supporters will be treated to an array of spectacular entertainment for the whole family.

 

Face painters, magicians, fire breathers, stilt walkers and musicians are just some of the things supporters can expect to find on their way to the stadium.

 

Super League’s title sponsor engage Mutual Assurance will one again be present with their Fanzone on Woking Street in the heart of Cardiff city centre. The Fanzone will play host to musical performances as well as a range of interactive games, including a try scoring bungee run, and regular giveaways, making it a must visit attraction.

 

Inside the stadium, a live house band, accompanied by a team of professional dancers, will treat supporters to a musical festival.

 

Tickets to Millennium Magic are still available priced £18 per day for adults or £30 for a weekend pass. Concessions start from just £5 per day.

 

For tickets information, call 01744 455 050 or log on to www.saintssuperstore.com

 

The fixtures are as follows:

 

Saturday 3 May

3pm Huddersfield Giants V Warrington Wolves

5pm Castleford Tigers V Wakefield Wildcats

7pm Bradford Bulls V Leeds Rhinos

 

Sunday 4 May

2.30pm Catalans Dragons V Harlequins RL

4.30pm Hull FC V Hull KR

 

For the latest Millennium Magic news, please visit www.millenniummagic.co.uk