SWINTON LIONS coach Paul Wood says they are in a much stronger position than this time last year after another pre-season date was added to the schedule.
The Lions, who visit North Wales Crusaders on Sunday, December 21, will welcome St Helens to Heywood Road on Saturday January 10 (2pm), eight days before they kick-off the new Championship season at home to Rochdale.
Wood said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us and a great early test to see exactly where we’re at as a team.
“The two friendlies we’ve arranged this year are going to be really valuable in our preparation, and facing Saints will certainly bring stiff competition.
“They will come with energy enthusiasm, and plenty of skill, so we know we’ll be challenged across the park.
“But that’s exactly what we want at this stage. It gives us a clear gauge of our progress and highlights the areas we need to keep developing as we move toward the season.
“We already feel we’re in a much stronger position than we were at this time last year.
“The lads are training well, they’re working hard, and they’re genuinely looking forward to this run-out against St Helens.
“It’s a great chance to put our work into practice, measure ourselves, and continue building momentum for the year ahead.”