HIS side is facing the prospect of a shortened Group 10 season, but St Pat's captain-coach Zac Merritt says they are as hungry as ever for a 2020 premiership.
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It was announced by New South Wales Rugby League last week that July 18 was the target date for the commencement of community competitions such as Group 10, which had their season put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prior to the suspension of the sport, there was plenty of excitement within the Saints' camp.
The blue and whites had recruited well during the pre-season - picking fleet-footed back Lee McClintock from Cowra, a trio of talented New Zealand natives in Logan Afoa, Taumutu Nohotima and Haze Reweti, plus former Oberon Tigers Blake Fitzpatrick, Andy Adams, Jackson Brien and Abel Lefaoseu.
Former premiership winning Saint Luke Single had returned to the club as well.
Merritt had worked hard on the fitness of his squad at pre-season training and they reached the semi-final stage of the annual Bathurst Panthers Knockout.
It had Merritt excited about the season which lay ahead, excitement which he and his squad still have.
"I've been talking to the boys a fair bit and they are keen to stay around, they have that same sort of feeling that we have a really good, strong squad this year," Merritt said.
"We didn't win the knockout, but we turned up and give it a good shake, which is exactly what we wanted to see where we were at and what we needed to work on.
"Everyone was really excited, especially myself and Mick [Armstrong] because the committee put together a really good side for us.
"So everything is crossed and I am praying that it is [season is] going to go ahead."
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The Saints mentor admitted he was "a bit frustrated" when the season was put on hold, but feels the suspension of play has made him - and others at his club - realise the depth of their passion for rugby league.
If anything Merritt is more driven to find success now than he was in March.
"I think this has really put it into perspective ... it's like this is all we know sort of thing, I think people have realised that rugby league is such a big part of our lives," the talented prop said.
"So we'll turn up now for whatever our pre-season is and we'll rip in, everyone is striving for the same thing, it doesn't matter if it's a shorter comp, everyone still wants to win, everyone wants to be a part of the final.
"I don't think this has really changed anything, everyone still turns up with that same mindframe.
"It counts no matter what, just because this has gone on the season doesn't mean anything different to us. Everyone is still passionate about footy and wants to win."
While training as a squad has been prohibited as part of the coronavirus shutdown, the Saints have been working to maintain their fitness levels.
The coach feels they will be prepared if given the green light to start their Group 10 campaign.
"The base was good and ever since the COVID restrictions came in I told the boys to make sure they're on top of things. Hopefully they've stayed on top of it so when we get back, we hit the ground ready to go," he said.
