Makinson fighting fit for season opener

St Helens flyer Tommy Makinson is back training with the first-team after recovering from an ACL injury.

The winger damaged his ACL last season but is fighting fit after a long rehab.

“I’m massively excited to be training with the boys again,” he said.

“It is a long process to come back from an injury like that but it’s been good. The players we have here made it easier and I’ve actually enjoyed it.

“I kept pushing myself and giving myself targets but realistically I don’t think I would have made the Grand Final if we would have made it.

“But it has actually helped. I am feeling the best I have done for a long time.

“I am back at the weight I need to be and at the speed I want too. I feel fantastic.

“Nathan Mill, Adam Rowlands, Matty Daniels and Ade Gardner have worked wonders and I want to thank them before I start playing and training. I am really grateful.”

Makinson said St Helens squad has been strengthened with plenty of competition for places.

“It is a strong squad with depth,” he continued.

“There will be challenges from everywhere and that is a good thing. That is what the coaches want in a squad.

“They want a team of hard decisions and that is what it will be this year.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started. We are lucky with the life we have; we can train with our friends every day and get to perform in front of our own fans.

“I can’t wait to walk back out on the field. It will be one of the major moments in my career.

“Missing last year was heart-breaking and now I want to kick on to the next stage of my career.”