SAINTS wing Tommy Makinson has been enjoying the England camp preparing to tackle the Kiwis in Denver on Saturday.

The experience of taking a test match to the USA in mid season is an unusual departure, but the players have lapped it up so far.

Makinson is one of five Saints - James Roby, Jonny Lomax, Mark Percival and Luke Thompson - in the squad for the game at the Mile High Stadium.

Four of those have made the cut for the 17-man matchday squad with Thompson being the unlucky player to miss out.

Makinson said: “You can see that it is massive, bringing rugby league over here and you can see the excitement in everyone’s faces already.

“We’re expecting a big crowd on Saturday; but the boys are looking forward to a new challenge.

“We will train at the stadium on Friday and so excited. It looks magnificent. I have heard so much about it and it will be good to get in there.”

Although Makinson has been in and around the international set-up in the past, this is the first time he has gone away with the national team preparing for a match.

“It is a different environment, we have met up a few times back in England but this is game week so it has a different feel,” he added.

“Every player here is here for a reason and whatever their club form we’ve come here and all bought into one thing.”

Makinson has teamed up with former Saints skipper James Graham - the pair last played alongside each other in the 2011 Grand Final.

The St George-Illawarra warhorse said: “It is good to meet up with a few old team mates of mine from St Helens - and it is always good to play alongside James Roby and Jonny Lomax.

“It is also great to see a few of the younger lads too, who were coming through when I was there.

“Saints have had a fantastic start to the year and hopefully that continues.”