Wilkin signed for St Helens from Hull KR six years ago

St Helens forward Jon Wilkin has backed the club's strategy of bringing through local talent to play alongside the more established members of the squad.

Saints go into the new Super League season without Paul Sculthorpe and Mike Bennett who both retired last season.

Wilkin told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We have retained a lot of our players, we have a similar squad every year.

"Hopefully we'll keep the system of bringing a few young lads in every year alongside the odd international star."

Samoan centre Willie Talau was another high-profile departure from Knowsley Road over the summer.

Wilkin has dismissed suggestions Mick Potters' side are in the process of a major overhaul.

"I don't know whether we are rebuilding or whether it's just a constant process of improving and adapting.

"The squad evolves with time and injuries and people going out of the game."

St Helens continue their preparations for the new Super League season with a tie against Widnes Vikings at the Stobart Stadium on Sunday at 1500 GMT.

The two sides will play for the Karalius Cup in honour of former St Helens and Widnes player Vince Karalius who died in December last year.

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