Craig Kopczak is hoping the challenge of earning a regular spot in the new-look Giants squad will help him re-discover his top Super League form.

The former Bradford Bulls prop took his first year at Huddersfield by storm, leading the pack by example as the Giants secured the 2013 Super League Leaders Shield.

But, like many of his Huddersfield teammates, he failed to match those dizzy heights for a second successive season, despite the Giants finishing third at the end of the regular campaign.

And the 28-year-old Wales World Cup captain is determined to doing something about it.

“Everyone’s really buzzing at the moment. We’re all ready to get back out there and play and see the outcome,” said Kopczak, who looked strong and sharp in the 38-6 weekend pre-season win at Halifax in his first game since losing his No10 shirt in the squad to new arrival Craig Huby.

“It was disappointing the way things ended last year and we’re determined to put things right this time around.

“The competition for places is tough, we’ve strengthened in a lot of areas, including in the front row with he arrival of Craig.

“But that’s a good thing. It means everyone’s got to play well if they want to be involved in the opening game of the season (at home to Hull on Sunday, February 8).

“After the disappointments of last year, both individually and collectively, that’s just what we needed.”