SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook said he learned plenty from the recent study trip to America – in particular the visit to NFL outfit Seattle Seahawks.

Holbrook was joined by physio Nathan Mill and Matty Daniels, the club’s head of strength and conditioning, to observe the workings of American football, ice hockey and basketball which left them bursting with ideas to put into pre-season training.

The visit to Seattle, and the time with the club’s experienced head coach Pete Carroll, was particularly beneficial.

Holbrook said: “The trip was excellent, but to get two days access at Seahawks was really beneficial.

“They really rolled out the red carpet for us, which was fantastic.

“We got to speak to the coaches, including 20 minutes with head coach Pete Carroll in his office.

“We were really appreciative of him giving us that time and to be able to watch training and sit in on the video sessions.

“The whole experience was great, but in particular seeing how Pete Carroll operates at the Seahawks.

“He is upbeat, on the go and interesting. The players got there at 7am and didn’t leave till after 5pm.

“And the coaches are there even longer, but there was always a really good atmosphere.”

Holbrook believes, like players, there is always plenty still to learn and he is open to ideas on and off the field as he attacks his first off season as head coach at St Helens.

He also took in the world of ice hockey and observed the NBA outfit the Grizzlies in action on the short trip.

He added: “It really refreshes you to get your head out of your own sport, while still at the same time thinking what we can implement in rugby league from other sports.

“It was definitely worthwhile. The three of us came back really excited about starting pre-season which we have done.”