HUDDERSFIELD Giants are setting their sights on a bumper McAlpine crowd to mark their opening match in Super League IX.

Coach Jon Sharp's side entertain Castleford Tigers next Sunday, with hopes high that the Giants can win an opening Super League fixture for the first time in six attempts.

And Huddersfield officials are looking for the McAlpine fans to inspire their side to a winning start.

"I'm sure everyone is aware of how hard Jon and his team have been working to guarantee success on the field against the Tigers," said Giants general manager Richard Thewlis.

"But an incredible amount of work is also taking place away from the playing side to make February 22 a complete success.

"This is a crucial year in terms of increasing our crowd base, and we have a specific strategy in place designed specifically for our opening game.

"We have four new advertising trailers which have been located on the main arterial routes into the town and they will no doubt catch the eye.

"But in addition, the players have made in excess of 30 school, factory and promotional visits with the sole purpose of highlighting the opening game.

"We have also distributed 2,000 fixture posters and 250 gameday posters, and we're delighted that the Examiner have agreed to sponsor the opening game and are so keen to promote it.

"Everyone connected with the club is really keen to see a big Huddersfield following to reward their hard work, and I know it will mean a tremendous amount to Jon Sharp and the boys to know they are receiving the backing of thousands of fans.

"It has been a long off-season and Sunday, February 22, is the day we have always been working towards."

Even though Castleford have had a poor pre-season campaign, the club are expecting large travelling support.

And the Giants are also looking at attracting neutral supporters by offering concessions to any National League club season ticket holder.