SAINTS Tongan international prop Agnatius Paasi blasted off a few cobwebs at Ruskin Park in his first training session since arriving in England.

The powerful former New Zealand Warriors front rower, who has joined on a two-year deal, has vowed to bring energy with his hard carries when he dons the red vee.

And having not played since August, he says he is relishing getting out there on to the paddock.

Having heard all about the fans, cannot wait to hear their voices when supporters are finally allowed in.

The 28-year-old said: "I have heard a bit about the fans over here and they go a bit crazy.

"I think that will help - if the fans can create a big of momentum then that can be a big motivator for the team.

"I can't wait to be a part of it."

Knowing Kristian Woolf after playing under him for Tonga was one of the big reasons why he opted to join the Saints, and having watched last November's thrilling Grand Final he was left under no illusions that he had made the right choice.

"It was pretty good watching the Grand Final back home - and I was out of my seat at the end when Saints scored and pretty happy with my choice to come here," he said.

The Tongan-born prop was one of New Zealand Warriors stand-out players in 2019, being a regular starting prop, averaging over 100 metres and 28 tackles a game.

Although he signed a three-year-deal with the Warriors in 2019, he was hampered by an early season ankle injury which limited him to just six appearances, scoring twice in 2020.

That has given him a real hunger to bring what he sees as his big attributes to St Helens.

"I bring lots of energy; I am a hard ball carrier and like to offload and be a ball player," he said.

"I have not played since August last year so can't wait to get pre-season out of the way and play that first game.

"I am enjoying being here and am getting used to the cold weather and have stopped waking up at 2am.

"Other than the cold, we are loving it and looking forward to playing my first game here.

"It has been difficult with the Covid protocols and lockdown rules, but hopefully by the time the games start, the restrictions will ease and the fans can come back."