AFTER a challenging and often worrying 20-week absence Lachlan Coote is relishing Super League’s return at Headingley on Sunday.

The mood in the Saints camp, fully fit for the first time, is upbeat ahead of a tough clash against a Catalans side strong on quality.

Saints need a win after losing three of the five openers and having the victory over Toronto expunged following their withdrawal.

But full back Coote is hopeful that the enforced break has helped Saints rediscover their champion form.

Coote said: “It was not the ideal start to the season, after coming out of the blocks good against Salford.

“It was frustrating getting injured in that game, but we definitely were not ourselves after that and just did not have the energy that we usually play with.

“There was probably a bit of complacency after winning that first game; people thought it may have been easy to try and blow teams out of the water – but we don’t need to do that.

“We just need to get back to ourselves and find the energy again.

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“The team has played a lot of football over the last two or three years, with the internationals as well, so this time off has helped us freshen up, get away from the game and get everyone’s heads right.”

Coote returned in the last game before lockdown, but with Mark Percival also now back in after recovering from shoulder surgery there should be more strike in Saints’ backline.

They will need to throw plenty at Catalans, and they are sure to get plenty back in return.

“Catalans are going to be tough,” Coote said.

“They have a quality team and James Maloney adds a new dimension. He is a smart footballer and they are going to be a tough opposition this Sunday.

“It is going to be different with no crowd – but we just have to get on with it.

“We definitely need some wins under our belt – we need to create our own energy and hopefully get those two points.”