The boss was back at work.

Coach Wayne Bennett was back on deck for his second season in charge at the club and there was a noticeable lift in intensity from the players.

St George Illawarra have been in training for just over a week, but Bennett returned yesterday, overseeing a session at the University of Wollongong.

Players say the six-time premiership winner carries an aura and they all respond to his presence.

"Everyone talks about Wayne being a supercoach and all that and I suppose he just sends off a good vibe and a good aura to the boys, they just want to put in for him and each other," new recruit Junior Paulo said.

"I was actually a bit nervous this morning coming to training.

"This week the boys have all been talking about 'when Wayne gets here, when Wayne gets here', so I was a bit nervous - on my toes - I just want to be good for myself and for the team.

"I got through it though - he didn't bite my head off," Paulo laughed.

Last week captain Ben Hornby gathered his side for an impromptu meeting and stressed the importance of being at their best once Bennett was back in the Dragons camp.

"He pulled us up and just said when Wayne gets here on Tuesday we've got to be on to it - you can't be told things two or three times, you've got to be on the ball and be ready to go straight away."

Paulo has been impressed with the level of professionalism at the club.

"I thought they were just a big, strong, fast team, just watching them last season - and coming here and training with them you can see why," he said.

"There's a good vibe here, good professionalism ... everyone is just putting in. There's no shortcuts. The intensity, I think, is what makes this club successful."