NEW coach Paul Wellens believes that Saints can learn lessons from the last time they played in the World Club Challenge ahead of flying off to face NRL Premiers Penrith Panthers.

Saints will be looking to avoid the dip they encountered after 2020's clash with Sydney Roosters when they appeared physically and menatally drained by getting up for that occasion.

It is something former coach Kristian Woolf cited for the side's mediocre performances, including back-to-back losses, just before the country went into lockdown.

Wellens is clear that the focus for this last month of pre-season is the whole year ahead, not simply the looming challenge of the international-packed Panthers.

And that is something the coach has already discussed with his players - and could influence selection.

Wellens said: "Because I feel like I have got a really good relationship with the senior players and have played alongside a few of the guys as well it is something I have spoken openly and honestly about.

"At the end of a year when you play a Grand Final you don’t play for a number of weeks afterwards, so you can kind of throw everything into that game and maybe take a few risks with players who are carrying knocks.

"With this Penrith game being the same weekend as Round 1 of a Super League season it is a bit of a different challenge because we have another 30 games to play when we get back.

"Our pre-season campaign is about putting ourselves in the best position to defend our Super League title.

"We have the added bonus of a Penrith game on top of that which obviously really excited the players.

"We are not throwing all of our focus, single-mindedly into one game but I know our players will rise to that challenge.

“It’s certainly a different way to start your head coaching career. It’s a really exciting challenge for the group of players.

“I’ve said on a number occasions, it’s an opportunity that they’ve earned.

"Not just in the last year, but over the last few years and what they have achieved.

“For this playing group to earn that opportunity and to get the chance to go down and take on a challenge of playing what we all know is a formidable outfit in Penrith, it’s great for the club and it’s something we’re all super excited about."