St Helens are promising to lick their wounds and come back strongly for the visit of Bradford in Friday's Super League opener.

Ian Millward's side were hammered 38-0 in the World Club Challenge at Bolton on Friday but he is hoping his side will learn something from the rugby lesson handed out by the Sydney City Roosters.

"The great thing about losing is that we learn an awful lot," said Millward, who is refusing to use the word 'backlash' about his side's preparation for the re-run of last year's controversial Grand Final.

"We don't lose very often and what we do is learn, be honest with each other and put that into practice. Out of the loss, we will learn a hell of a lot.

"Look, Bradford are a great team, and we will go and away from this and think about a few things and prepare as best we can to take them on."

Millward saw a number of players pick up knocks in the bruising defeat, but is hoping to welcome full back Paul Wellens back into his side after deciding against risking the Great Britain player following a knee operation.

Wellens, who was left badly bruised by Brandon Costin's knee in last year's Old Trafford final, will be a key figure for Saints, who are expected to face a full-strength Bradford side in four days' time.

The Bulls, world champions until last Friday, are hoping to welcome back Tevita Vaikona and Michael Withers from off-season surgery, while Robbie Paul and Jamie Peacock have recovered from viruses which hit their training last week.