ANOTHER important day for the Giants is almost here again.

On Sunday it is, of course, the fourth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup and the home game against Hull KR.

This competition is obviously now very close to my heart after we reached the Wembley final last August. It was a wonderful experience.

But we can’t afford to think too far ahead yet, because a home tie against Hull KR isn’t exactly the easiest in the world.

I have to admit I’ve got some pretty positive memories about playing against them.

We did the double over them last season, and earlier this year we secured an excellent 30-0 win at their place in February.

However, we know that won’t count for anything this weekend.

They’ve improved considerably since then, which is no great surprise given the fact that Benny Galea was out injured and Joel Clinton was waiting on the sidelines to make his debut.

Both are quality players, and neither needs any introduction to me because of our time in the Australian NRL.

I never played alongside Joel, but he is a very good, strong front-rower and deserves a great deal of respect.

But I have been a teammate of Benny back home, as well as his fellow Hull KR players Clint Newton and Mick Vella.

They’re all great blokes, but that won’t count for anything this weekend.

Although it was good to get back to winning ways against Castleford last Friday (24-0) we all know it wasn’t the greatest performance we’ve ever produced.

There were many areas in our game that just weren’t good enough, and if we don’t improve this weekend, then our dream, of a Wembley return could be over before it’s started!

I’VE promised Simon Finnigan I’d give him a well-deserved and long-overdue mention this week.

As everyone knows, Finny’s had a really tough time and is still a bit away from making a return following his neck and shoulder surgery.

But I know (assistant conditioner) Greg Brown is happy with the way his rehab is going and that Finny can now see some light at the end of the tunnel.

As a result, his spirits are up and it’s great to see him joking around at training.

It’s also good to note he’s put on a bit of size, because last year showed it was much needed. Even I could see he was one of the smallest running around in the competition!

So if anyone sees Finny around the place over the next few weeks, I’m sure you’ll want to wish him all the best.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he’s back on the field.