I made some good runs, my defence was good and I did what was asked of me Paul Sculthorpe

The 28-year-old returned in Saints' 44-8 thrashing of Castleford on Friday, his first game since undergoing major knee surgery last August.

"It was tremendous to be back - I felt really fit and strong and my knee felt really good," said Sculthorpe.

"Nothing can prepare you for a match, but I came through it really well."

Sculthorpe only featured in 16 games last season and missed out on the Tri-Nations because of persistent hamstring and back injuries, and the operation on his long-standing knee problem.

He played for 60 minutes in the second row against the Tigers, and featured prominently as Saints dominated.

"I made some good runs, my defence was good and I did what was asked of me," added Sculthorpe.

We're not going to big ourselves up Paul Sculthorpe on Saints' good start to the season

"I felt really, really fit and probably the one thing that you lose when you're injured is your match fitness.

"So it's now about getting up to speed because you do need a bit of time to get your touch right, but I was really pleased with how it went against Castleford."

St Helens finished last season top of the Super League table, but injuries to key personnel - including Sculthorpe - saw them crash out in the play-offs.

But Saints have started Super League XI in ominous fashion, with the demolition of Cas following a 40-16 win over Harlequins.

"We're not going to big ourselves up because every game is tough and every team in Super League has strengthened this year," said Sculthorpe.

"I think the results in round one proved that, so we're not looking too far ahead.

"The standard has improved and Salford whacked Warrington at Warrington last week, so you cannot afford to relax.