James Lowes' decision to miss the World Cup is already reaping benefits.

The battle-hardened hooker decided to opt out of playing for Ireland so that he could concentrate on getting into top shape for the next Super League season.

And coach Brian Noble has been impressed with the work he has been putting in. "Jimmy is looking great," he said. "He has knuckled down and worked extremely hard.

"When our England players return to training on Monday for the first time since the World Cup they will be impressed with the condition of both Jimmy and Brian McDermott.

"They have been putting in tremendous effort and have been a great example to the youngsters in the squad who they have been training alongside."

Fitness conditioner Carl Jennings went even further in his praise. "I have never seen Jimmy looking fitter at this stage of the pre-season," he said.

"He wants to get himself into top shape and has been pushing himself hard. It has also been great to see him and Brian McDermott setting a great example for others."

Stuart Fielden, Jamie Peacock, Scott Naylor, Paul Anderson, Leon Pryce, Paul Deacon, Mike Forshaw and Nathan McAvoy are the men reporting back to Odsal on Monday.

Forshaw (groin), Pryce (shoulder) and McAvoy (knee) are all recovering from surgery and will be involved in remedial work while the rest of their colleagues get on with the slog of pre-season training.

Full back Stuart Spruce, whose World Cup was ended prematurely by a knee injury, is already back in training.

Kiwi stars Henry and Robbie Paul will return on Wednesday with Michael Withers, and new signings Joe Vagana and Shane Rigon arrive on January 3.