CAPTAIN Paul Wellens is relishing what 2014 could bring to the Saints – but warns his teammates they need to remain focused.
The 33-year-old will enter his 17th season as a Saint and his fourth as team leader.
“To captain this club is a fantastic honour and I don’t take the responsibility likely. This year in particular the squad looks to be the strongest we’ve had in a long time and with that my job as captain comes a huge responsibility that we maximise that potential.
“We have the opportunity to do something special this year and we have to keep focussed and work hard for each other. Names on paper don’t win games; it’s about going out there and putting in the effort.
“We have a strong squad and great players and now have to make that work for us.
“The competition for places is as fierce as it has been for a long time and that is good for the squad going forward.”
Wellens came off the bench in James Roby’s Testimonial, slotting in at dummy half.
And although Saints lost 28-16, he believes there is a lot to look forward to.
“I was disappointed with the result, even though it was a friendly,” he continued. “It was a good hit out and we came up against a strong side. We will be better off for the game but there are certainly a few areas we need to improve on. Rest assured we are working hard to fix those areas up.
“There were plenty of positives too I thought. For his first game at seven I thought Luke Walsh showed what he is going to bring to the team. There was little bit of rustiness which is normal at this time of year, but we will be a much improved outfit for the Warrington game and the home opener.”
Saints will kick off their Super League campaign with a trip to Warrington on Thursday February 13 before hosting Hull FC at Langtree Park eight days later.
Tickets for those games are on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or by logging on here.
