KEIRON Cunningham will have a near full strength team to choose from for the new First Utility Super League campaign.
Only Jonny Lomax and Shannon McDonnell are set to miss Friday’s game with Huddersfield Giants – with the duo expected to return sooner rather than later.
“We relatively fit, excited and ready to go,” Keiron said. “Shannon McDonnell is now training with us – he’s not close in terms of returning but he isn’t too far away – and Jonny Lomax is continuing to progress.
“We had a tough opposed session behind closed doors at the weekend to give Alex Walmsley and others the chance to have a hit out. He has a good chance of playing this Friday as does Adam Swift. Both Luke Walsh and Travis Burns are ok too.
“I’m 99 per cent decided on the team, it is just a case of formulating the bench spots. It is a good problem to have though. We have a lot of combinations this season and everyone in the squad will be very useful for us.
“We have had a good pre-season and brought in players to give us some depth. The new boys have settled in, have a good work ethic and have trained hard. They understand the culture here and how we want to play.
“If they do the right things, train hard and put their bodies on the line then the players will be happy with them.
“We’re in good shape and excited about the challenge. Long term we will be a tough team to beat.”
Saints have a tough opener on Friday when the Giants come to town. Both sides played out some real humdingers last season – and this week’s game is expected to be no different.
“Huddersfield played really well in their trial games and were without Danny Brough in a couple,” he added. “I’m sure he will play on Friday though and that will make them a different entity. They are very good attacking and defensively. They have lost Brett Ferres which is a bonus for us… but they still have strike across the park and a good pack.
“Jermaine McGillvray takes some stopping too. He hit his peak last year and is still there. Add in a great full back, big forwards and new players… they are a real threat.
“We have had some real crackers against them over the years and sneaked a couple by a point last season. I’m happy to start with a tough game and I’m sure the spectators will scream along and welcome our new boys on to the pitch. Hopefully, we will do them proud.”
Keiron continued: “There’s no bankers in this league; all teams have recruited well. Hull FC have spent a lot of money and brought in some great players. If they stay fit they will be a force.
“Look at Widnes too, they will trouble a lot of teams as well Wakefield.
We will have to be on the money each week.”
Tickets for the Friday’s Super League XXI opener at Langtree Park are now available.
To buy yours contact the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, call 01744 455 052 or go online here.
