He may have played in some of the biggest club games in the world during his time at top Australian NRL club Melbourne Storm.

But Ryan Hinchcliffe admits he’s still feeling a little nervous about making his Huddersfield Giants debut in Sunday’s pre-season clash at Hull KR.

The 31-year-old is ready to start at hooker after spending all of pre-season in the No9 role.

And while he’s been happy with the way things have been falling into place following his arrival in England last November, he knows this weekend’s trial clash at Rovers for former Giants winger David Hodgson is the acid test.

That’s why Hinchcliffe is feeling a little on edge.

“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had a few butterflies this week when I’ve thought about Sunday’s game,” said Hinchcliffe.

“It’s a big deal for me, because this will be my Giants debut and it’s the first chance we’ll have had to see how things have been falling into place.

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“I’ve been really encouraged by the way things have been going in training.

“But it’s one thing seeing things fallen into place on the training field, it’s another taking it into a game.

“I just hope everything goes according to plan and we can push on for the next trial game against Catalans the following week.

“I know that’s also going to be a nervous time, because that will be my home debut.

“But, to be honest, I want the nerves to be there. The way I see it, is that the day you don’t get nervous before a game is probably the day you should stop playing.

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“Nerves are your body’s way of telling you something exciting is going to happen and that you need to be ‘in for it.’

“Fortunately, that’s the way I’m feeling about Sunday right now.

“I know the nerves will stop as soon as I get out on that field. That’s when the muscle memory will kick-in for me and I’ll get down to doing what I can to help the side play well.”

And the experienced Australian knows his new side definitely has the potential to make a positive impression.

“I know it’s still relatively early days,” he added. “But I already know I’ve joined a squad with a lot of class players in it.

“You can certainly see why the Giants have finished so high up the Super League ladder over the past few seasons.

“Individually they’re strong, and collectively they’re strong, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do well.

“But first things first, and let’s just see how things go on Sunday.

“We should know a lot more after we’ve got this game under our belts. I can’t wait!”