KEIRON Cunningham says he cannot wait for Saints to take to the field on Sunday.
After a long pre-season his side face Widnes Vikings at Langtree Park at 3pm.
“I’m happy with how pre-season has gone but I just want to get going now,” he said. “The boys have bought in to what we wanted to do and have trained hard.
“Nothing major has changed from last season; I was in charge of the attack and Sean Long has come in with Jamahl (Lolesi). They will look after the defence with me overseeing everything.
“I’m really excited now and want to get started. As I player I know what it feels like at this time of year; the days before Christmas can be a drudge, it’s gloomy but once you’re back, and the ball is in your hands a little more, it is more exciting.”
Saints will play a strong side in the match and there’s good news on the three players who were injured long-term in 2014.
Jon Wilkin is back training, Jonny Lomax is there and thereabouts whilst Luke Walsh has a good chance of playing against Catalan in Round 1.
“Jonny Lomax won’t be ready this week, but hopefully will be back the week after,” Keiron continued. “Walshy is back running and his leg is at 100 per cent. We had a little grumble with his ankle but hopefully, fingers crossed, if there isn’t a setback, he will be kicking a ball for us in round one
“We targeted round one for him and thought if things went well he would be back for the friendlies. Obviously, the more we get him playing with the team the better. The thought of having him on the pitch with Travis Burns excites me. When Luke first came to the club and I saw him in training it was like having Sean Long back.”
Speaking of Long, Keiron reported that Sean has settled into life at the club and is already making an impact.
“When I came into the office to work for Nathan he asked me what my ambition was. I said I wanted to be a head coach. He said he liked assistants that wanted to be head coaches as they meant they challenged him more.
“I’ve always felt like a leader from a young age and I like the responsibility of it. Myself and Nathan had a good relationship. I don’t know everything so I want my assistants to debate and challenge me as I did with Browny.
“I worked well with Jamahl last year and have brought Longy in. I lot of people said I only brought back Sean as he was my friend. If he wasn’t right for the job he wouldn’t be here. I am here to do a job and win trophies and if Sean wasn’t going to fit in he wouldn’t be here. He is a great coach, smart and will bring something to us.”
Tickets for Sunday’s friendly at Langtree Park, which kicks off at 3pm, are on sale now from the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 052 or by logging on here.
Prices in the Solarking South and Totally Wicked North Stands will be £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and Juniors £5.
Hatton’s Solicitors West Terrace tickets are available for £10 (adult) £8 (concession), £5 (Junior).
