Curtis Sironen on ‘world class’ Morgan Knowles and working under Kristian Woolf

Curtis Sironen has praised his new team-mate Morgan Knowles as St Helens prepare for their opening Super League night against Catalans.

In a repeat of the 2021 Grand Final, Kristian Woolf’s side host the Dragons at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Sironen did not feature in the club’s only pre-season test against Leigh. He was forced to miss parts of pre-season and Alex Walsmley’s testimonial due to quarantine.

The back-rower had flew to Rome to enjoy a Christmas break with his partner, but tested positive for Covid-19 on his return and was stuck in quarantine for 17 days in Italy.

However, the Australian forward will be hoping to put that behind him and look to earn a spot in the St Helens squad.

He linked up with St Helens from Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL, and has particularly enjoyed working alongside loose forward and England international Knowles. 

“Getting to train with Morgan, I know he’s been injured, but getting to do some of the wrestle and contact with him; he’s just a brute athlete and a really good rugby league player. Skills for a guy his size too. 

“I think he’s a world class number 13. 

“Guys like Jake Trbojevic and Cam Murray, he’s in that mould. He has great skill and a really tough sort of guy that you want in your team. 

“I’m grateful he’s in our team as he rips in.”

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Curtis Sironen on working under Woolf

Sironen makes the move to Super League following 131 appearances in the NRL. He enjoyed stints with Wests Tigers and Manly, and now the forward links up with a new head coach for 2022.

“I’ve really enjoyed it with Wolfie,” Sironen said.

“I had a few conversations with him before I came over. He’s a really honest guy. 

“He’s a real man’s man, he just tells you how it is.

“I really like that sort of honesty. Sometimes you find coaches talking in riddles and a bit of smoke and mirrors and things like that, but he’s just straight to the point. 

“I can see why he’s had his success as well. He’s been really good for me. I’m excited to keep learning under him and improving myself.”

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