KEVIN BROWN is confident the new signings will make the Giants even more competitive in Super League XVII.

Jason Chan (from Crusaders), Greg Eden (Castleford), Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy (all Wakefield) and Tony Tonks (Featherstone) have all been recruited for 2012.

They come in to replace departed Super League regulars Darrell Griffin, David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Danny Kirmond and Andy Raleigh. All five will be hard acts to follow.

But with influential half-back Brown having now met the newcomers ahead of the start of pre-season training on Monday week (November 7), he knows they’re determined to make a positive impression in coach Nathan Brown’s senior squad.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the new lads, particularly now I’ve had the chance to meet them all,” said Brown. “They’re all incredibly enthusiastic about coming here and are determined to succeed, which I’m sure they can.

“I’ve played against Jason Chan a lot and he’s a big, strong man who takes a lot of putting down.

“Aaron Murphy is someone Browny holds in high regard, Tony Tonks has worked hard through the ranks and the other young lads, such as Tommy Lee, Greg Eden and Luke George, will be great to get along with and look exciting players.

“I’ve no doubt they all have the potential to make us even stronger next season.”

And Brown believes the continuing emergence of the younger players in the squad over the past few years is living proof this can be achieved.

“We’ve already shown we’re a club capable of improving the young players who come into our system,” he added. “For instance, Leroy Cudjoe is rightfully getting the plaudits and has made the centre spot his own, while Jermaine McGillvary and Joe Wardle have taken this season by storm.”