TOMMY Makinson knows he and St Helens are there to be shot at as they go for an awesome foursome of Super League titles – but they are ready for the challenge.

And they are ready to give an ‘animal’ one last opportunity to rampage through defences, if it is to be James Roby’s final year.

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The England winger admits he feels the excitement is back in the 13-a-side code after two years in the Covid-19 doldrums.

No matches at all for five months, no fans at matches, no-one at 2020’s epic Grand Final win over Wigan, worries over a much reduced broadcast contract and the future of clubs painted a grim picture.

But quality signings across the board, the emergence of new contenders in Catalans Dragons, a doubled French presence after Toulouse’s promotion and a first ever presence on free-to-air TV have shrugged off the woes.

Then, of course, there is the prospect of the World Cup in England.

Makinson said: “The league’s got an exciting feel to it again this year.

“Rugby league maybe took a bit of a dip for a couple of years but I really feel this year’s the most excited people have been for a long, long time.

“That all adds up for a great, great season. Then there’s the World Cup, the English talent in our league is scary then you add the English lads playing in Australia.

“Everyone’s going to compete for England shirts. Shaun Wane can only give so many out and they don’t come lightly.

“You’ve got to perform well to get one and that’s brilliant for the league itself. Hopefully we can do Super League proud.

“I’m excited to see all the teams, I’m a rugby league fan and I love watching other teams. What a game to start it all against Catalans tonight (Thurs).

“They were great last year but you’d like to think they’d improve again because they’ve made great signings. Overall, fans should be really excited.

“Some of the signings all clubs have made this year really shows where we want this league and the game to be going. Plus there’s the Channel 4 deal.”

Makinson was part of Saints’ title wins in 2019, 2020 and 2021 but he also knows reputations are there to be demolished, especially in rugby league.

Which is why Kristian Woolf’s men take the attitude of, ‘We’ve done nothing yet this year,’ and a much changed squad – with Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Curtis Sironen, Joey Lussick and James Bell coming in, plus Jack Welsby’s move to full-back – will see different aspects of play and, if anything, a stronger side.

One constant, though, is legendary hooker Roby, who at 36-years-old is likely to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Although there is little sign of that as he builds up for his 18^th year in the red vee.

Makinson, 30, added: “Kristian’s told him he’ll cut his minutes this year – which probably means he’ll do 79 and have a rest for one!

“In training he’s still the first at everything and is the fittest. He’s still the best player by some distance – he’s an absolute animal!

“No-one knows what’s in his head and how long he’ll go for – we all know he can go well beyond this year but we’re all treating it as his last.

“If he says it is, we want to take all the memories of playing alongside him. He’s one of, if not the greatest, players you’ll ever play alongside.

“If he does retire, great for him but at the same time we all know he’s probably got a few years left in him.

“We start every year afresh with new goals, especially this year with new personnel. It’s been like a totally fresh start.

“You’ve got to reset and focus on those new goals otherwise you’ll fall away pretty fast.

“The task gets harder and people want to beat the reigning champions, so it’s going to be tougher than ever in 2022.

“But our team definitely doesn’t look weaker with who we’ve brought in – you have to improve and the new lads will bring a different skill set from players we’ve had.

“They’re going to be great. We’re excited now and we’ve been ready to go since Christmas – training sessions have been like games!”

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