JONNY Lomax is looking strong on the back of his autumn test exploits with England - and coach Justin Holbrook has sensed a real air of determination about his half back ahead of his testimonial season.

Outstanding performances at number six last season earned recognition in the Super League Dream Team, and that was followed up with a fine series against the Kiwis.

But after a four-week break, Lomax has returned to the club with a keen focus on what needs to be done to take Saints to the next level.

Holbrook said: “Jonny did have a great year individually in 2018, but even in the pre-season since he came back he has been better again.

“Better from a team point of view and also from his home game, he has been sharper and quicker.

“He has got a real determination in all of his actions, wanting to step up every part of his game for this season.

“He has been a real determined character - not just from a skill level but also his conditioning, his speed and fitness where he has been leading the way.

“He has that that determined look about him and that is joy to watch as a coach and I am excited for him and our team.”

Coach Holbrook has been delighted with the response of all of his international players, who have brought enthusiasm and energy into the ranks after their autumn exploits.

Holbrook said: “They came back well. We do fitness tests and those three finished in the top three.

“It generally works out that your best players are your best trainers and that is the case with us. It is important to give them time off, but you can afford to give them a good break if you know they are going to come back in flying.

“It is great to have those boys in the group; they are a hard-working group that trains hard.

“When you throw in those special guys who train even harder then that lifts the standards even higher.”

Holbrook singled out loose forward Morgan Knowles for special praise for the way he has worked in pre-season.

It sounds like he is certainly putting a marker down in a pack where competition for places will be keen.

“Morgan Knowles has had a phenomenal pre-season and has been working hard. He is the pick of the those.”

The return of Alex Walmsley and the advancement of the young forwards means there will be a few disappointed packmen come 31 January.

“Some are going to miss out come round one, but they have known since the start of November that our great depth is in the forward pack.

“It is not like it is a shock to anyone that there are spots up for grabs.

“It is hard, but it is a long year and we are going to need all of them.

“On Saturday I just want them to go out and get a solid game under their belts.”

Holbrook has been impressed with how well the whole squad has knuckled down, and that includes the young guns who will be snapping at the heels of the seniors.

He singled out Jack Welsby, who has come in strong off the back of a good test series with England Academy.

"Everyone is going well, but Jack Welsby - who got a little taste of it last year and finished strongly in the test series against the Kangaroos Schoolboys - he is flying in pre-season.

"It still might be a bit early for him - he is only 17 - but he is just really exciting for the club’s future to have someone like that coming through," he said.

Saturday’s game between Saints and Hull FC kicks off at 2pm.

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