SAINTS head into their first trial game on Saturday on the back of a short camp in North Wales.
Field work, including a match made up of two Saints teams, were complemented with classroom sessions at Parc Eirias, the Wales RU under 20s official home in Colwyn Bay.
The trip helped to enhance focus at a crucial time of year as well as provide the chance to live out of each other’s pockets for a couple of days.
“It freshens everyone up,” said assistant coach Jamahl Lolesi.
“We’ve had a good pre-season; everyone came back with a great attitude and in good shape. But of course, everyone is flying this time of the year, undefeated and winning the comp!”
Scrum half Matty Smith is eager to get out on the field in front of the fans now.
“It’s been a good, strong pre-season,” he said ahead of his second campaign back in the red vee.
“I feel fit, I feel ready to go now and hopefully I can stay more injury free than last year and get a good run.”
Smith broke his leg on his second debut for the team having returned to Saints from Wigan, via Salford.
He then suffered an horrific eye injury later in the campaign.
“It was a bit of a shocker for me,” he said.
“That’s part and parcel of the game I suppose.
“I feel really good at the minute and looking forward to these trial games going into Castleford.”
Saints host Sheffield Eagles at Ruskin Sports Village on Saturday, Leigh Centurions at the Totally Wicked Stadium the following Friday and then open the campaign at home to Grand Final runners-up Cas on Friday, February 2.
We’re here at Eirias Park today - alternative venue for some training! pic.twitter.com/LyZg2OWnnD
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 16, 2018
Warming up... and they’ll need it today! pic.twitter.com/iWexrSWjEi
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 16, 2018
Plenty of contact pic.twitter.com/BNhWWt3AA5
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 16, 2018
.@plattyphoto ready for all conditions! pic.twitter.com/9Eap3bWgZW
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 16, 2018
Game time. With ref. pic.twitter.com/Cl3ZCqGnUQ
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 16, 2018
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