St Helens full-back Paul Wellens has branded his England snub a "blessing in disguise" after making the most of the off-season.
Saints full-back ready for new season after England snub
St Helens full-back Paul Wellens has branded his England snub a "blessing in disguise" after making the most of his first full off-season for seven years.
Wellens was ignored for England duty as a result of coach Tony Smith's team shake-up following a miserable 2008 World Cup campaign, but the 29-year-old has used his exclusion as an opportunity to rejuvenate himself physically and mentally ahead of Super League XV.
The 29-year-old will start in Saints' league opener against Hull at Knowsley Road on Saturday, marking his first competitive outing since their Grand Final defeat to Leeds four months ago, and the full-back reveals he is keen to get back on the field.
"When I didn't get called up for the internationals at the end of the year, I took it as a blessing in disguise," said Wellens.
"I knew it would benefit me to get plenty of rest and a good pre-season under my belt. I feel a lot fresher, in mind as well as body.
Hard work
"I had a fair bit of time away from playing rugby and I've had plenty of weight sessions and running sessions which at the time were not the most fun but, now I've put in the hard work, I'm looking to hit the ground running.
"It's not only myself. Maurie Fa'asavalu, Ade Gardner and Leon Pryce who also missed out internationally have had a chance to do the same. I'm sure we'll benefit from it."
Wellens, who lost out on his England place to Hull KR full-back Shaun Briscoe, is adamant he has not called time on his international career, but admits it is not at the top of his priorities.
"I would never rule it out," added Wellens. "But it's the start of a long season and I'm just looking to play well for my club."
Wellens has become one of a reducing number of senior players to remain at Knowsley Road, with Sean Long and Lee Gilmour the latest internationals to depart the club, but the full-back insists Saints still have plenty of experienced players to blend with the talent emerging from their junior system.
"The likes of James Graham, Jon Wilkin and James Roby will take on extra responsibility," said Wellens.
"They're all seasoned internationals now and have a wealth of experience despite being still quite young.
"And we've still got a lot of experience in players like Keiron (Cunningham) and Matt Gidley so we certainly won't be short in that area."
