SAINTS' star full-back Ben Barba says he's "ready to go" for Friday's Super League 2018 opener against Castleford Tigers.

The 28-year-old was withdrawn from Friday's friendly against Leigh Centurions after scoring two wonderful first-half tries and setting up another for stand-off Jonny Lomax.

He said it had not been a pre-match plan to leave the game at that stage.

"I had a bit of a tight quad and it was causing a bit of a pain in my knee," he said.

"I carried on for a little bit because it was something I'd never felt before.

"I've seen the medical staff and the doctors at the club and it's nothing too serious. I'm ready to go."