SAINTS first team squad are continuing their preparations for the new Super League season.
The majority of the side have been in training since November and new signings Lance Hohaia, Anthony Laffranchi and Mark Flanagan joined them before Christmas.
The squad’s pre-season programme has focussed on all aspects of skills and mental training and well as the necessary fitness work needed for the rigours of Super League.
Saints’ Head of Strength and Conditioning, Matt Daniels, said: “I am very excited about the season ahead and the professionalism and the enthusiasm the squad has shown.
“Pre-Season is never easy but everyone has bought into what we are trying to achieve. We had a long discussion at the end of last season and one of the main things we have looked to do is change the culture in terms of professionalism and in the way the players approach pre-season.
“We talked to the lads about coming back from their close season breaks in good shape and everyone has bought into that ethos. In the past we could be two or three weeks into pre-season and in ‘negative equity’ because some of the lads have come back sloppy.
“I’m not saying they have hammered themselves – they have rested – but the players have been sensible and got themselves prepared and that means we are making gains from day one.
“We did the same session at the start of pre-season we did the year before and everyone blitzed it. On average, the scores were through the roof compared to 2010 and that is very encouraging.
“With the new facility at Cowley Language College this has certainly been the best pre-season we’ve had.”
You can read a full and frank interview with Matt in the Widnes programme which will be on sale from Langtree Park on January 20.
