SAINTS' new boss Justin Holbrook took charge of his first session yesterday ahead of this afternoon's Magic clash at Newcastle.

The 41-year-old former Sydney Roosters coach flew in on Thursday to commence a two-and-a-half year deal at Saints.

He was happy with his first impressions - and excited to be taking the helm.

He said: "We've had one field session today and I'm really happy.

"Coming in new, it is a fresh start for a lot of the players.

"I'm excited to be here and that's what I wanted to make clear to the players.

"I have left the Roosters - although I had a great job there as assistant coach I was really excited at the opportunity to coach St. Helens."

He has clearly been watching Saints' fortunes from afar before landing and has seen the form, culminating in last week's disappointing Challenge Cup knockout.

"I can there's been a lot of frustration among staff, players and obviously, probably, fans.

"I just want to try transfer that from frustration into excitement which is where I'm at at the moment. I just need to get them all on board," Holbrook said.

Holbrook has had just the one session with the team, but said he was happy with how they trained.

He added: "If you train well it gives you confidence and we are lacking a bit of that at the moment.

"I know St Helens is a very proud club and we are not performing as great as the expectations.

"But hopefully we start at Magic and get a good hit up and continue that into Wigan and keep moving forward."