Saints » News

PAUL Wellens says he has benefitted from a much longer than expected pre-season break.

Alongside Ade Gardner, Leon Pryce and Maurie Fa’asavalu, Paul didn’t play in the 4Nations after the Grand Final and that meant a longer than usual lay off.

For Wellens, it was his first break since 2003 and he believes it has done him the world of good.

“It’s been good,” he said. “I feel fresher in body and mind; the break has allowed me to re-charge. My knee has benefitted too. I may well have had to have a clean out on it during the off-season, but it’s been fine. I have got through the sessions well and there has been no reaction. It’s as good as it has ever been.”

Saints begin their quest for Grand Final glory against Hull on Saturday (5.45pm) and Paul is looking forward to welcoming back former teammate Sean Long.

“It will be strange playing against him,” he added. “It was weird seeing him in the Hull shirt. I have spoken to him a couple of times and he has settled in well. I’m sure he will do for them. The focus shouldn’t just be on him though. Hull have improved a lot – they are a difference force than last year.

“Longy will have a lot of influence on the play there and he will take pressure off those around him as he likes to command the game and run the show. He will give the likes of Richard Horne more freedom to play their game.

“We won’t be short of experience now he is over there though. There is a wealth of it in this team. We are close and we know what to expect from each other. We have a group of very competitive players who want to do well for this club.”

Saints kick off their engage Super League XV season against Hull FC on Saturday February 6 (5.45pm) at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.

Tickets are on sale from both club shops or by calling 01744 455 050 and you will be able to pay on the turnstiles on the day.