NEW recruit Josh Perry knows exactly what his task is this season having been brought in to add size and aggression to the Saints front row.

The 29-year-old Australian Test prop, who won his last cap last year, says he likes “to mix it up with the big boys” and he is relishing the prospect of joining the fray in March.

With fellow new boy Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook thrown into the midfield mix featuring James Graham, Tony Puletua and Paul Clough, Saints’ complement of front rowers looks as though it could be as effective as the bruising quartet that rumbled the team to a clean sweep in 2006.

Perry said: “I have spoken to Royce (Simmons) about my role and I am not going to change it too much – maybe playing a few more minutes.

“I like to get in there and mix it up with the big boys a bit. There are no backward steps in the front row and I will be striving to do my bit every week.

“The talk is that we have definitely got one of the best packs in the comp now but we have to make sure we go out on the field and live up to that.”

The last time Perry played in England he was sin-binned following a set-to with Leeds’ skipper Jamie Peacock in the 2009 World Club Challenge game for Manly.

His presence will certainly add a touch of menace to the pack.

But the fans will have to wait to see what impact Perry will make on the British game, he is still recovering from the broken foot he sustained in his last game for Manly in September.

The former Newcastle, Manly and New South Wales prop said: “I can everything apart from run at the moment, but start that next week so fingers crossed, it won’t be too long before I am back in full training.”

Although Perry has effectively turned his back on adding to his four test caps by coming to England, he said the opportunity to play at Saints was too good an opportunity to turn down.

It helped that he has played with former Saints players David Fairleigh, Matt Gidley and Darren Albert at Newcastle, and more recently Jamie Lyon at Manly, and all had given the club and the town a glowing endorsement.

“To be honest I feel lucky to be coming here. St Helens were always one of those teams who I kept my eye on when I was younger and were probably my favourite team over here.

“I know a lot of people who have come over here and have raved about the place and let me know what a good time they had here, what the community and the rest of the boys were like so when an offer came up at St Helens I jumped at it,” he said.

Like many Australians, the allure of Wembley was also a big factor in persuading him to reject a further two years at the Sea Eagles and head to England.

“It was tough turning my back on Test rugby but I was in a bit of a catch 22.

“I could have stayed at Manly for two more years but St Helens offered me three and it was too good to knock back as in two years time I may not have got that opportunity again.

“I have played for Australia, State of Origin and won Grand Finals, so I had a good chat with my family “We thought it was a good opportunity at the right time to come over here and have a go at the Challenge Cup and Super League.

“Challenge Cup is something that I have watched at home since I was a little kid, and so to be part of that one day would be really special.”

Perry is just part of the new broom coming into Saints this year - although compatriot Royce Simmons is likely to have the biggest impact.

Perry added: “Royce has brought in a few ideas, speaking to the lads that have been here for years they are really impressed with him and keen to get out there and try new things out.

“I hope to have a positive impact and give the team a bit of confidence going into those big games.

“I am trying really hard to get back for the start of March. That is the plan at the minute.”