Saints have made only one new major signing - 29-year-old New Zealand second row forward Tony Puletua from NRL outfit Penrith Panthers - but have released or loaned six of last year's squad.

Chairman Eamonn McManus said: "It is no coincidence that the last three Men of Steel, Paul Wellens, James Roby and James Graham, have been products of our Academy and the aim of the club is to produce an equal number in the next generation."

Mr McManus said: "A key consideration in appointing Mick Potter as our next head coach was his successful record as a youth coach in Australia which we considered to be of equal value to us as his impressive record in Super League.

"We took the step a year ago to lock in our key England internationals long term and to supplement them longer term through our Academy players rather than from other clubs, or overseas.

"We have always had a self-imposed maximum of five overseas players regardless of the rule which attempts to make this compulsory for all by 2011.

"It is the only formula capable of producing a long-term successful side within the salary cap parameters and one which contributes to the strength of the national side in a manner and to a level which every club should consider its absolute duty."

The chairman added: "I would urge every other club to adopt this approach as soon as possible and not wait until it is compulsory.

"It is the only way to have a national side that can represent our sport with the degree of success to which it is capable - something of which we have badly fallen short.

"Young players such as Kyle Eastmond and Gareth Frodsham have already nudged into the first team and are likely to figure more regularly this season.

"Names such as Gary Wheeler, Shaun Magennis, Jonny Lomax, Jamie Foster and others are ready to take their opportunities when they arise and it would not surprise me one bit if a number of this talented batch have long and successful careers at Saints. I wish the all the best of luck."

The full squad and their shirt numbers are: Paul Wellens (1), Ade Gardner (2), Matt Gidley (3), Francis Meli (5), Leon Pryce (6), Sean Long (7) Jason Cayless (8), Keiron Cunningham (9), James Graham (10), Lee Gilmour (11), Jon Wilkin (12), Chris Flannery (13), James Roby (14), Bryn Hargreaves (15), Tony Puletua (16), Paul Clough (17), Kyle Eastmond (18), Chris Dean (19), Gareth Frodsham (20), Gary Wheeler (21), Shaun Magennis (22), Maurie Fa'asavalu (23), Andrew Dixon (24), Jamie Foster (25), Andy Yates (26), Jamie Ellis (27), Matty Ashurst (28), Tom Armstrong (29), Jonny Lomax (30), Jacob Emmitt (31).