New signings Chris Bailey and Antonio Kaufusi will join up with the Huddersfield Giants for the start of pre-season training on November 11.
But Huddersfield head coach Paul Anderson knows many of his star names will be absent that day due to their World Cup commitments.
Up to eight members of Anderson’s senior squad will be in action during this autumn’s global tournament, with many not expected to start their pre-season work until early December.
That could be a source of frustration for the Giants chief, although the fact former London Broncos forwards Bailey and Kaufusi will be around from the start has helped soften the blow.
“In an ideal world, I’d like all my players back on November 11,” said Anderson. “But for many Super League clubs, the World Cup has guaranteed that won’t happen.
“Fortunately for us, Chris and Antonio won’t be involved, which means they’ll be with us on day one and will be able to get a full pre-season under their belts – and we expect them to turn up looking fit and fresh.
“Their commitments with the Broncos finished last month and they’ve been given rehab and pre-hab stuff to do. They’ve been told that if they’re not in good shape when they turn up here they can forget about having a Christmas break back in Australia!”
While prop Kaufusi did feature for the Broncos until the end of the season, back-rower Bailey was absent due to injury, but Anderson has confirmed the popular Australian is now 100% fit.
“Chris probably could have played in the Broncos’ last couple of games,” revealed Anderson. “In his rush to get back from an elbow injury, he had a slight groin issue, but he’ll be firing by November.”
