THE final part of our review of the year looks at international call ups and the preparation for the new season.
October
Saints players made their tips for Man of Steel – with Danny Houghton the squad’s popular choice.
Atelea Vea moved to Leigh whilst Dougie Charnock joined Barrow.
Internationally, Calvin Wellington, Ben Morris and Regan Grace were named in Wales’ World Cup Qualifier squad whilst Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival received England Four Nation’s nods.
Matty Smith inked a three year contract to return to his hometown club whilst Adam Walker joined him from Hull KR.
Adam would later be selected for Scotland alongside new signing Luke Douglas.
In other team moves, Saints said goodbye to 12 players who were part of the first team squad in 2016 and announced the signing of Tommy Lee from Salford.
November
Paul Sculthorpe MBE joined the England Rugby League staff.
Aaron Smith, Liam Cooper, Jonah Cunningham, Ben Morris, Josh Eaves, Rob Fairclough and Matty Lees all put pen to paper on deals that saw them promoted into the first team squad for the 2017 Betfred Super League campaign.
Kyle Amor and Jon Wilkin signed extensions; Amor remaining at the club until 2020 whilst Wilkin penned a two year deal.
And pre-season got underway in earnest with Keiron Cunningham and his coaching staff putting the players through their paces.
A frosty run in Liverpool was soon superseded by brutal sessions at Altcar and the now traditional Christmas run which took place in Formby in December.
Many thanks to all Saints fans who have followed the club this season – onwards and upwards to 2017!
