TOMMY LEE has already set his heart on extending his stay at the Huddersfield Giants.

The 23-year-old hooker arrived at the Galpharm Stadium from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on a one-year deal at the end of last season and made his first Huddersfield appearance in Friday’s 32-22 pre-season defeat at Castleford.

He’s also set to feature for the Giants in tomorrow night’s second trial clash at Wigan for Sean O’Loughlin’s testimonial (8.00).

And Lee, who has also played in Super League for hometown club Hull and Crusaders, is desperate to make another positive impression and put himself firmly in the Giants’ frame for his new club’s top-flight opener, also at Wigan, on Sunday, February 5.

“I feel the pressure’s been on from day one to make the right impression here,” said Lee, who can also play half-back or loose-forward.

“I’m fully aware how big a challenge I face to establish myself, because everyone in my position is an international, and the back-up players are, too!

“But I’m happy with that. There’s no better way of improving your game than having competition for places, and that’s clearly what we’ve got.

“I’ve also got the added incentive that I’ve only signed for a year, so the pressure’s definitely on to make the most of this opportunity as quickly as possible.

“It’s a challenge that I’m already relishing, that’s for sure.

“I do regard the Giants as being one of the top clubs, and I’m really excited about the season ahead.

“But in the short-term there’s the Wigan game to look forward to tomorrow night when hopefully we can build on what we did at Cas last Friday.

“That’s vitally important for all of us.”

And Lee is under no illusion of how important the contest is in terms of his own career.

“I definitely see Huddersfield as a long-term option for me,” he added.

“It’s a good set-up with some great young players tied to long-term contracts.