Huddersfield Giants are currently abroad doing a warm weather camp and one signing has spoken on his delight at being back fit and training.
The Giants aren’t the only club opting to get some warm weather training in their legs with Hull KR also out in Spain at the moment whilst Castleford Tigers will fly out next week.
For one Huddersfield signing, it’s a chance to finally get onto the field and start working out the connections at his new club after undergoing a lengthy rehab process upon signing.
Former Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos man Liam Sutcliffe was one of just two domestic additions made by the Giants but, like fellow Huddersfield recruit George King, he has been injured.
He’s now confirmed that he’s back in full training with the warm weather camp giving him the first opportunity to impress on his new teammates.
“I’m settling in really well. Everyone has made me feel really welcome and I got to know everyone pretty early on,” he explained when speaking to club media.
“Obviously being in camp at the moment, you’re with everyone nearly all day every day. Everyone has made me feel part of it and welcome from the start and I’m really enjoying it.”
Huddersfield Giants signing back ‘fully fit’ after lengthy lay-off
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Whilst the Giants have made just two domestic signings, they have signed four players from the NRL and integrating those new players has been one of the big positives from the camp.
Sutcliffe noted: “It’s the same with every camp I’ve been on, it’s good because of the team bonding, and integrating the new fellas, and this has been no different.”
The centre left Hull FC for Huddersfield but arrived at the John Smith’s Stadium with a foot injury which he suffered against Catalans Dragons. That came at the end of July but he is only just returning to action, something he is thankful for.
“I’m feeling really good. I’m back in full training now which is positive,” he explained.
“I started doing some training before the new year, but now at the turn of the year I’m in fully and fit now so I’m really happy about that. It’s been a bit of a long one, and a tough one to come back from, but I’m happy to be back in training.”
As pre-season ramps up, it becomes less about fitness but more about combinations and that’s now starting to be implemented at Huddersfield with Sutcliffe revealing conversations with head coach Luke Robinson.
He explained: “I’ve had little conversations with Robbo here and there, obviously before Christmas I wasn’t in training too much with the rehab, so there wasn’t much team stuff to talk about but now I’m back he’s telling us what he wants and how he wants things which is good.
“Everyone is getting on the same page so hopefully it’s a decent start to the season.”
The Giants will kick off their season with a home clash against Warrington Wolves on the 16th February.
