ROYCE Simmons has described his charges as dedicated and professional as they prepare for the forthcoming Super League season.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s friendly match with Huddersfield Giants, Saints’ Head Coach says the first team squad have handled everything thrown at them so far in pre-season.
“The season has come on pretty quickly but in another couple of weeks we will be ready for Wigan,” he said. “The boys are a dedicated mob of young fellas and have shown professionalism and are handling everything well at the moment.
“This weekend’s game against Huddersfield will be a lot more intense as they have consistently been one of the best teams throughout the course of the last few seasons.
“But the boys know they are playing for positions and need to crank up their intensity. I know people say it is a squad game, but I’m sure if you ask any of the players, they would rather be in the starting 13. This Saturday’s game is about finding out that.”
On the injury front, Royce said Josh Perry should return in late March: “Josh is running in straight lines and as long as we get no setbacks, we will start to build that up.
“Kyle Eastmond should be back, we are hoping, around game two or game three. He is starting to run with the boys and in the skills sessions but not in contact sessions. Jonny Lomax is going well.
“Jammer has an ongoing back problem but he will be fine.”
Meanwhile, Saints new captain will be named next week.
