Adam Swift has said he is looking forward to what 2021 has to bring after a challenging opening season in Black & White last year.
Swift was one of the stand-out performers in last week’s victory over Huddersfield, and will be looking for another strong effort when the Airlie Birds face Salford this weekend.
Speaking on last week’s personal performance, Swift said: “It was great to get back out there and go up against one of the best wingers in the competition in Jermaine McGillvary,
“Jerry is a big strong boy and we’ve had some great battles over the last eight or nine years.
“Scoring a try in a game is something to be proud of but the other little things like stopping a try or getting the team forward at the start of a try are just as big – its not all about scoring.”
And Swift explained the performance has helped put a troublesome 2020 behind him, adding: “It’s a massive weight lifted off my shoulders. The bad year I had in 2020 has been put behind me and I want to wipe the slate clean and consider this season as my first real season at the club.
“It’s a fresh start and I’m looking forward to what this season will bring.
“I came from Saints with a point to prove that I was still good enough to play at a high level but I couldn’t get going or play any games back to back. Injuries started to pile up and mentally it take a toll on you.
“But pre-season and that first performance put me in good stead fitness wise and I feel good.”
Looking ahead to this week’s game against Salford, Swift says consistency is the key for Brett Hodgson’s men.
“Consistency is a word we have spoken about a lot. We set the benchmark now with last week’s win. And its about putting some consistent performances together now.
“On paper, we have the side to do some good things this year, but we have tweaked some things as well and we’re in a good position.”
He continued: “Richard Marhsall was at Saints when I was there and he brought some good ideas when he came in from Halifax so he’ll have them set up well.
“With Kevin Brown in the halves, Dan Sarginson at full-back and some strong outside backs, they’ll be difficult. Their scoreline in the Saints game didn’t reflect their overall performance.
“We have to be mentally prepared to stay in the grind with them for 60 minutes or so like they were against Saints.
“They’re a big set of lads and they’re going to be licking their wounds from last week and keen for their first win.”
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