Salford City Reds’ Martin Gleeson believes a week off for the International Origin match will help make up for a lack of pre-season training.
The Reds face Wakefield Wildcats on Monday night after their 68-10 humbling at the hands of the Warrington Wolves – their heaviest defeat of the season.
But Gleeson feels the Origin match on June 14 – where England take on the Exiles – presents Brian Noble an excellent chance to put across his ideas.
“It gives the coach more time to lay down what he wants us to do,” he said.
“We haven’t had a preseason with him – or with anyone really – but I think the more time we’ve got to try and implement those ideas the better.”
Salford have suffered an indifferent start to life under Noble, winning two and losing three, and the 33-year-old centre says there is little time mid-season to adapt.
“You can’t really catch-up during the season because games come thick and fast. You’ve just got to recover from the game you’ve just played,” he said.
“And before you know it you’re playing again – you don’t have much time to learn new systems. The week off will help us a little bit in that regard.
“We’ve just got to rip in for the rest of the year and do our best.”
The former Wigan Warriors and Warrington man revealed the squad were disappointed with the Wolves result, especially after winning at Magic Weekend, but are determined to bounce back.
“It was disappointing,” he said. “With the performance against Widnes Vikings and all the things we’d been practicing seemed to go out the window last week.
“Warrington were too physically dominant with us and we couldn’t stand up to them in the ruck and we paid the price. It was men against boys.
“It’s been a massive week for us. We’ve had a full week’s training and we’re looking to get back on the horse against Wakefield.
“We should have a healthier squad to pick from for Monday and we need to up our game.”
Image courtesy of Super League TV, via YouTube, with thanks
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