BEN Currie is enjoying an altogether different experience of Warrington Wolves’ pre-season training camp this year.

When The Wire travelled to Portugal 12 months ago, Currie made the trip but trained largely on his own as he recovered from a second serious knee injury in as many years.

Fast forward to now and with the team at the very same Brown’s Sports Resort in Vilamoura, the second rower is playing a full part in proceedings.

Barring a late hiccup, the 25-year-old looks set for a first uninterrupted pre-season in four years – another step on the road to putting his injury hell behind him.

“I was talking to Chris Baron (strength and conditioning coach) the other day, saying that 12 months ago we were here but at the side of the pitch wrestling and doing my own training,” he said.

“It was a reminder of how difficult it was but its so much nicer this year to be involved in every part of training.

“You feel amongst it a lot more.”

Steve Price and his squad arrived on the Algarve on Sunday for a week of training unhindered by the British winter at a world-class facility.

With their opening Super League game at Wigan Warriors now just two weeks away, using their time in sunnier climes wisely is critical.

“It’s going really well so far. Even after a couple of days, we’ve got some good work in,” Currie said.

“The weather has been good – we had a bit of a panic on Monday as it looked like the rain was going to come in but it held together and we managed to get some good stuff in.

“With it being dry and good weather, you’re not having to move pitches or cut sessions short.

“We were out on the field for at least two hours the other day so it does make a big difference.”

With plenty of hard yards being done on the field, it is off it where much of the key work takes place.

As Currie explains, living in each other’s company helps build the bond and camaraderie within the squad.

“Being in and around each other for seven days straight is as big as the work we do on the pitch,” he said.

“We’re all in little apartments next door to each other so we can float in between rooms.

“Me and Jace Clark are rooming together but we’ve got Luis Johnson and Matty Davis in our apartment as well.

“When you’re sharing rooms and living in each other’s pockets, you can create a real bond.”

The Wire fly back to England on Sunday ahead of two pre-season friendlies – Mike Cooper's testimonial match against Salford Red Devils at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday, January 23, before a trip to Swinton Lions on Saturday, January 25.