Wests Tigers skipper Brett Hodgson says he's unconcerned by his side's indifferent pre-season form - because he's seen it all before.

Hodgson backed his club to turn around its disappointing trial form, which culminated in a 26-4 loss to Canberra in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Since joining the club in 2004, Hodgson said he had never tasted success in a trial game, which was why he still had the belief that the side could be a force this year.

"It's not panic stations yet," he said.

"We struggled in trial form last year and beat St George Illawarra the first game."

The NSW custodian said the new-look side needed time to find some rhythm, with new halfback John Morris still finding his feet at the club and Benji Marshall still working his way back into the fold following an extensive rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.

"I think it will take a while for some of the players to gel, there's no doubt about that," Hodgson said.

"There's a new half in Johnny Morris, he's trying to do his best to try and fit in with everyone else's style of play as well.

"With Benji, it's going to be a challenge for him, he's going to have to come back and build his way into a bit of form again.

"It's going to take him a little while to get back to his best form. He's got to remain patient and it will come if he does that."

The pressure is also on Hodgson, who hopes to be back to 100 per cent for the season-opener against Melbourne following knee surgery, to help out with the playmaking duties.

"If I can see an opportunity to jump in and take the ball like I have the last three years ... I'm pretty sure that I have that licence again this year," he said.

"If I do see something that maybe the halves can't see I'll jump in there."

The Tigers open up against the Storm on Friday March 16 at Olympic Park in Melbourne.

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