HUDDERSFIELD Giants officials are determined to break through the 5,000 barrier for average home attendances in Super League X.
Last season, the figure was a bitterly disappointing 4,362, despite the club finishing seventh - the highest for Huddersfield in 40 years.
The signings of Australian Test centre Michael De Vere, Brad Drew, Paul Jackson and Chris Thorman has had a positive effect on season-ticket sales, with over 1,500 having been sold.
On top of that, the free tickets for all primary school children is proving very popular.
But the first major test of the increased level of interest comes on Sunday when Giants coach Jon Sharp's side entertain Hull at the Galpharm.
The manner of the Giants' 30-12 triumph over Leigh on Saturday will have done the club's hopes of attracting a bumper crowd no harm whatsoever.
But Giants marketing officer Jonathan Wilkinson admits that waiting to hear the official attendance on Sunday could prove a nerve-wracking moment.
"We have been working flat-out behind the scenes in a bid to increase the size of our crowds," said Wilkinson.
"We believe we are making progress and our season ticket sales have been highly encouraging.
"But we know what really matters is how many turn up on the day itself.
"There were some fantastic crowds on the opening weekend of the season and we hope to play our part on week two.
"Hull will be bringing a large number of supporters with them and it would be fantastic to hear the Giants fans out-shouting them."
Various promotions have been taking place in a bid to attract a bumper gate.
For instance, over 1,000 posters have been produced to publicise Sunday's big day, while Giants players and officials have been paying personal visits throughout the community in a bid to increase awareness.
But Wilkinson is hoping the Giants' `Friend For A Fiver' scheme proves the real winner.
"I would urge all our season-ticket holders to use their `Friend For A Fiver' vouchers for the Hull game if at all possible," he added.
"All season-ticket holders have a `Friend For A Fiver' voucher in the back of their ticket booklet.
"If these are exchanged before the day of the game at the Galpharm ticket office, it will cost a friend just £5 to watch what should be a cracking Super League contest between two great sides.
"Also, don't forget that all children under the age of 12 can get into the Hull game and all Super League games for free if they claim their ticket from the ticket office.
"The stakes this weekend are high and there's no doubt there will be be a superb atmosphere, and we want as many Huddersfield fans as possible to be there to savour it.
"If we are ever to reach the very top in Super League we will have to increase our support significantly.
"Those who saw our win at Leigh last Saturday will have seen the quality of the side that is now under the command of Jon Sharp.
"If we can re-produce that form on Sunday, then we could be celebrating another Giants victory - and, hopefully, in front of a big crowd!"
* The winner of the Giants VIP tickets to any game was Ann Heward of Highburton, who correctly named Michael De Vere as the player who has joined Huddersfield from Brisbane Broncos. The competition organisers will be contacting Ann to decide which match she would like to attend.
