BOLTON Mets RL team called in the professionals when St Helens' coach Ian Millward and stand-off Tommy Martyn took charge at their training session.

The two brought their expertise to Withins Sports Centre last week by coaching the Mets' squad and showing them some of the skills and tactics that have taken Saints into the leading group in Super League.

The Bolton coach Rick Brooks said: "They certainly gave us a few ideas to work on during the close season. The players really appreciated them giving their time to help us out in this way."

Millward, the former Leigh coach who has proved a great success since taking over from Ellery Hanley at Knowsley Road, was impressed with the enthusiasm of the Mets' players.

"And there is some talent there," said Martyn. "There are some players who can really run well with the ball."

Bolton won promotion from the sixth division of the North West Counties Rugby League last season and will be training at Withins on Thursday nights (7 pm start) throughout the summer.

The visit from Millward and Martyn is the first of a series of "masterclasses" with the Wigan coach Frank Endacott lined up for a session in June.