Huddersfield Giants’ forward assault could be led by a ‘Cas attack’ in Super League XX.

England back-rower Brett Ferres and new prop signing Craig Huby are expected to be at the forefront of the claret and gold challenge in 2015.

And with the former Castleford Academy pupils having become friends reunited, Huby can’t wait to join forces again back on a Super League field.

“Brett and me have always been mates,” said the 28-year-old, who moved to the Giants at the end of last season to end his 12-year career at hometown club Castleford.

“Even when Brett was playing at different clubs (Ferres has had spells at Huddersfield, Wakefield and Bradford, as well as two seasons back at Cas), we always spoke regularly.

“It’s fair to say he played a part in my decision to come here, because he told me how much I’d enjoy it. It was the same with Paul Anderson, who’s also someone I’ve known for a long time and have always got on with very well.

“On top of that, Brett and me live close to each other, which means we travel over from Cas to training every day, along with Kyle Wood.

“That’s something else that’s made my move here a lot easier.

“For 12 years, it took me five minutes to get to training, so this extra journey time has been a bit of a shock to the system.

“But having Brett and Woody for company certainly helps, even if Woody’s always trying to dodge his round to get the butties!”

However, it’s the prospect of teaming up in the pack with Ferres once again that’s exciting Huby the most.

“We’ve got a very decent set of forwards, and I’m sure I’m going to enjoy playing alongside them,” added Huby.

“There’s real genuine competition for places in all positions, and that’s got to be good.

“There’s competition in the front row and competition in the back row, and that’ll keep everyone on their toes.

“But I obviously hope I get a fair amount of gametime and can make as positive a contribution as I can straight from the start.

“It was good to get through my debut at Halifax last week (the Giants cruised to a 38-6 pre-season triumph at The Shay), and it was definitely good to look across and see Brett out there with me.

“Although we went to school together and have been friends all our lives, I’ve only been teammates with Brett for two years at Castleford, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“That’s because when we were kids, he was at Bradford and I was at Cas, so the opportunities for us to team up were limited.

“But I know what a quality player he is and how much he brings to the Giants.

“All being well, I’ll have as much influence on the team as Brett has. I’d be happy with that.

“That’s definitely my aim, because I know I’m going to be part of a squad that’s capable of winning things.

“Finishing top and collecting the League Leaders Shield in 2013 always shows how much this club has to offer, and with Paul saying this squad is far more balanced than it was back then, it’s a pretty positive statement to make.

“It’s a sign there’s still a lot more to come from us.”