Long's last game for Saints was against Leeds in the 2009 Grand Final

Sean Long hopes to get a good reception from the St Helens crowd when he returns to Knowsley Road with Hull for their season opener on Saturday week.

Having moved to the KC Stadium this winter after 12 years with Saints, Long will make his Hull debut against them.

And Long told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I gave the best years of my career to Saints, so I'll be a bit gutted if I don't get a good reception.

"But I'll be going there with my Hull hat on and I'll do my best for Hull."

He added: "It will be weird to to go out there again to play against my old team mates.

"It's a home fixture for me, to be honest. I know every blade of grass at St Helens and I'm looking forward to it."

Despite only joining Hull at the end of last season, Long has been named club captain and will lead them out against his old club.

There were other candidates for the role but he says he has tried to impress coach Richard Agar since his move.

"I must have done something right in training," said Long. "I've gone out there and I've really focused this year and try my hardest.

"I'm like a 20-year-old out there in training and I'm bouncing around. I'm happy and cracking jokes and also I do get on well with the coach as well.

"He's a good bloke and I get along with him on and off the field. With me being the half back and the general on the park, whatever he tells me I deliver to the boys.

"I'm really honoured to lead Hull into 2010."

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