WITH one year remaining on his contract, Gregg McNally is desperate to make a Giants impact in 2011.
After spending the majority of last season on loan with Oldham, the 19-year-old, pictured, is increasingly aware the coming season is his most important yet if he is to cement himself as a Super League player.
The former Whitehaven half-back returned to training early, despite featuring for Ireland in the Alitalia European Cup, playing in the unfamiliar role of full-back.
It’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Nathan Brown, who claims he could well feature there for Huddersfield in Super League XVI.
Scott Grix has been given the No1 shirt, although the departure of Brett Hodgson has left an air of uncertainty over who will actually play there, with Grix having tended to play a utility role in seasons gone by.
“I’m looking to improve my all-round game next season and I have spoke to Browny (Nathan Brown) about the possibility of playing full-back along with half. With two different positions to play for, the opportunity is there in front of me,” explained McNally.
“Hopefully, I can make my debut next season, but if not I hope there’s a new deal. I would love to stay here, I love the club.
“The fans are brilliant and the boys are great, so I’m hoping I can do well this year and that you’ll see a lot of more of me in the future!”
McNally admitted the step-up has been challenging and pre-season training has been intense, but he has still enjoyed it.
“It’s been very tough, last year was hard but the bar has definitely been raised and the boys have responded well,” he added.
“There’s a big difference to where I’ve come from. At Whitehaven we trained around three times a week, here it’s seven days a week. It’s tough on the body but I enjoy it and I have to work hard for what I want.”
Yet to feature in Super League, McNally is aware that a debut is vital to his progression and he is working harder than ever.
Top scorer in the Alitalia Cup, he has his sights firmly set on the 2013 World Cup and claims his allegiance will remain with Ireland.
“I want to get more caps for Ireland and although it was a disappointing tournament for us, there are a lot of young guys coming through and developing for the World Cup.”
McNally will remain in the No28 jersey and will be hoping a change of position will give him more of an opportunity to break into Super League and prove he is worthy of a new deal.
He turns 20 next month and finds himself at a pivotal point in his career.
