ROYCE Simmons says Saints’ trip to London this Saturday is like “stepping into the unknown”.
As he prepares his side for their first hit out of the Stobart Super League season he admits the Broncos’ new signings make them dangerous – but until those new combinations have played together is difficult to know what to face.
“They have a lot of players who have won big games in the past,” he said. “Michael Robertson on the wing was a regular try scorer for Manly. Shane Rodney has played in two grand finals, possibly three and Antonio Kaufusi has played for Australia. Then you add Craig Gower in there too and there’s a hell of a lot of experience in that side.
“They’ve played alongside winners and that’s what they’ll bring to London. They also have good young English players so they are a bit of an unknown. There’s not a lot of video on them at present.”
Tony Puletua and Michael Shenton won’t play this Saturday as they recover from injury but Simmons expects them both to be in contention for around week two or three.
Paul Wellens is a doubt too as he is having on-going treatment for an Achilles.
“These three players are important so we won’t rush them back,” Royce continued. “We want to make sure they are 100 per cent before bringing them back.
“I think this competition will be strong this year. Everyone is talking about Catalans and I think they will be a very good side. They had injuries at the back end of the year but they have purchased pretty well. Hull might be ok too – they have bought in strong at half back and full back. When they get their combinations right then they will be a dark horse.
“Everyone is competitive at the start of the year; it’s how you handle your injuries and the depth you have that’s important.”
