St Helens: Tommy Makinson praises 'frightening' forwards

Tommy Makinson believes St Helens will be a match for any team in 2014 because of their powerful forward pack.

Sia Soliola, Anthony Laffranchi, Alex Walmsley, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Willie Manu were regulars last season.

And Samoa international Mose Masoe, Richard Beaumont and Kyle Amor have all been added during the winter.

"What a pack that's going to be. It's frightening. It's not only big and strong, but it's fit as well," winger Makinson told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Kyle Amor is fit as a fiddle, so too is Alex Walmsley, and they can all do big minutes. There's a lot of competition for places and, from a back point of view, it's brilliant. We'll be getting quick play-the-balls and finding the space they've created for you."

St Helens struggled in the early months of the 2013 season but recovered to finish fifth in the table and narrowly missed out on a play-off semi-final place, losing narrowly to Leeds Rhinos.

Makinson, who has been handed the number two shirt at Langtree Park for the first time, expects plenty of teams to compete for domestic honours next term.

"There's loads - Wigan, Warrington and let's not forget Salford," said the 22-year-old. "They've made a lot of marquee signings.

"The best thing with Super League is that, from the bottom to the top, it's getting closer. There's not many 50-0 or 60-0 games any more. It's so close and this season is going to be a real tester for everyone."

St Helens have not won a trophy since claiming the Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield in 2008, and have not tasted Grand Final success since 2006.