Wellens looking forward

Wellens: Looking ahead

I know quite a few people have raised their eyebrows about it but we've got a very good squad and let's not forget we were only one game short of another fantastic season.

Paul Wellens
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Paul Wellens says St Helens will put their Grand Final disappointment to the back of their minds as they kick-off a new Super League challenge at Hull KR on Sunday.

The 2006 Super League champions were well beaten by Leeds Rhinos in October's Grand Final - as Saints suffered a 33-6 beating at Old Trafford.

Great Britain full-back Wellens says that Saints have now put that defeat behind them and are fully focused on trying to regain their crown this season.

"We were disappointed with the way we performed on the evening but such is life," said Wellens.

"It happens. We tried our best but it didn't work out. It's important to put that to the back of our minds and do what we need to do to be successful this year.

"It's important we don't dwell on it too much. I think you can over-analyse defeats like that."

Move on

"It's important we move on. We've done a lot of work in the off-season. We've improved ourselves physically and hopefully that will stand us in good stead to improve in 2008."

Daniel Anderson has added just youngsters Kyle Eastmond, Gary Wheeler, Gareth Frodsham and Chris Dean to his squad for his final year in Super League.

Wellens is happy with the squad that came close to completing a second consecutive treble last year, and believes the new youngsters will shine.

"I know quite a few people have raised their eyebrows about it but we've got a very good squad and let's not forget we were only one game short of another fantastic season," he said.

"We're happy with the personnel we've got and, added to that, we've got a nucleus of some very good young players who have yet to taste first-team experience but, given the right environment, I'm sure they will get a chance to play Super League this year.

"There are some promising youngsters who probably wouldn't get that opportunity if we had brought in more players."

Rockin' Robins

St Helens will have to hit the ground running as they face a much-changed Hull KR side, with Justin Morgan recruiting well during the off-season.

The Robins pushed Leeds all the way at Headingley last week and Wellens is expecting a tough trip to Craven Park.

"Like a lot of other teams, they have made some great additions to the squad," Wellens added.

"Garret Crossman and Clint Newton were part of a very successful Melbourne side last year and certainly know how to win games.

"If you add the likes of Chev Walker and Shaun Briscoe, it certainly improves the squad immensely.

"They're a great side and we know it will be a very tough game but, if we perform to the levels we know we can, we're confident we can go there and do a job."