Matty Smith says it would be "extra special" to win something at his hometown club - but knows a lot of hard work lies ahead.
The scrum-half returned to the Saints after a six-year absence and believes the squad is more than capable of grabbing silverware in 2017.
“It’s good to be back where I started,” he said. “It has been a long time in the making. I’ve had some ups and downs in my career but playing for my hometown club once more is exciting and a good challenge.
“I grew up watching KC and Longy and I’m looking forward to playing with James Roby, Jon Wilkin and Jonny Lomax. It’s not like coming a new club. I’m hoping for a big year; we are working hard in training and know we need to start well.
“I enjoyed my time at Wigan and have some good memories. I am grateful to the club for my time there, they did everything they could for me. To come to my hometown club and win something would be extra special. KC has signed well, everything is in place and I’m hoping we can have a big year as on paper we stand a big chance.”
Smith looks set to link up Theo Fages in the halves and notes similarities between him and George Williams at Wigan.
“They are similar,” he continued. “They like running with the ball and their defence is really strong. I had a little time with Theo at Salford. His all round game is pretty solid and hopefully I can help him along the way as well.
“This will be the biggest pack I have played with and we have spoken about playing with the ball more. If you get quick play the balls, then Roby goes off the back of that and you can throw the ball around. That is what we want to achieve and I think we have the players in place to do that.
“You’re looking for a balance. With the pack we have it gives James Roby the chance to get out and run with the ball. If we play on the front foot then we have the plays to capitalise.
“But we have to train well and that is what we are doing now.”
