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.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here