ROBBIE Hunter-Paul is desperate for his second spell at the Huddersfield Giants to be even more successful than his first.

And with the team Huddersfield have now assembled, both on and off the field, the legendary rugby league star is confident that can be achieved.

Hunter-Paul last week started work as the Giants’ business development manager, charged with the task of expanding the club’s supporter and corporate base.

It is the 35-year-old’s first full-time role since retiring as a player with Co-operative Championship club Leigh Centurions at the end of last season.

But with the former New Zealand Test star having become one of the sports most recognisable figures since moving to England to join Bradford Bulls in 1994 and having now also gained a sports marketing degree at the University of Huddersfield, he is confident he can help build on the successful work already being done by the Giants’ backroom team.

“My two years with the Giants in 2006 and 2007 couldn’t have gone much better, and that’s why the club is now so close to my heart,” said Hunter-Paul.

“In my first season, we reached the Challenge Cup final for the first time in over 40 years, and then the following year we made the play-offs for the first time.

“I’m not saying that was simply down to me, far from it, but I’d like to think I played a very small part in helping this great club continue to grow.

“I just hope I can now bring a little bit more success to the club in my new role.

“When I left at the end of 07, the club was in a very strong position, and in the short time I’ve been back I can see it’s become even stronger, both on and off the field.