Well it’s the start of another new Super League season and to be honest it can’t come quick enough. Not only have I missed the enjoyment of playing rugby league and being in a routine of building up to the games but the pre-season routine as been the hardest I have endured.

Although pre-season as been the toughest for a number of years it’s also been one of the most enjoyable in terms of the fact we all feel fitter, stronger and ready to go. There were times during November and December when the team was at breaking point mentally, but that was the strategy of the coaching staff, it was their plan to make us mentally tougher for the up and coming season. I would say over the last few years the team as been just as fit as St Helens, Leeds, Bradford and Wigan but you could say we have not been quite up there mentally in certain games.

Anybody can get fit physically but being mentally tough is something that takes pushing the body to the limits and beyond and we have certainly done that in the pre-season.

It’s been pleasing to see Micky Higham and Garreth Carvell fit into the side with ease. They have brought a lot of positive energy to the team and the skill, power and pace they have brought will make a massive difference to the team. I am sure you were all excited by what you saw against Hull KR fromn the two new signings and hopefully they will take more of that into the new season.

St Helens this weekend means we can test ourselves right from the start. St Helens are going to be up there again this season and they are one of the best teams in Super League, but all the lads are really excited about the game and its one of the games we love to play in. Although we haven’t beaten St Helens for a number of years it’s actually a game we all looking forward to. We have come close to beating them so many times over the years and there have been some heartache in the dressing rooms after games but we won’t be thinking about that at all come Friday night at Knowsley Road. Once the whistle blows at 8:00pm on Friday night its just 17 men v 17 and what has happened in the past counts for nothing. Lets hope we can make a great start to the season.

St Helens is one of the best games of the season because it’s a local derby and Knowsley Road is always packed full of Primrose and Blue! There is nothing better running out at someone else’s stadium and seeing the Warrington fans making more noise then the home fans. I am looking forward to the game and I am sure you are looking forward to the game, lets hope it’s a night to remember and I’ll see you all down there.

Speak soon, Woody.