GIANTS coach Jon Sharp believes his squad is on course to start Super League X in the ideal shape.
The Huddersfield chief watched his squad complete their final training session of the year last night and immediately declared himself happy with the progress being made.
But he also issued a timely warning to his players that there is still a lot of hard work ahead before his side plays their opening game of the season at Leigh Centurions on Saturday, February 12.
"I think the way to sum up the way things have gone in pre-season training up to now is so far, so good," reported Sharp.
"Things are progressing well and we're still on schedule for where I want us to be when the season kicks off.
"And a lot of that has to be down to the players themselves.
"The way they have knuckled down to what has been a very tough pre-season has been magnificent.
"It's been hard work, but it's obvious the boys are finding it very enjoyable.
"They're enjoying working under the fitness regime of Geoff Evans (the club's Head of Athletic Performance), but I always knew they would.
"Having worked with Geoff at St Helens, I know what he is capable of doing and his impact has been as positive as I thought it would."
The final piece of Sharp's squad jigsaw will be in place on Tuesday when Australian Test centre Michael De Vere jets in to the town for his first training session with the Giants.
The former Brisbane Broncos star has been working hard on his rehabilitation after suffering a serious knee injury in training four months ago.
All reports suggest the 28-year-old will be fit to play in Huddersfield's opening League fixture at Leigh.
And Sharp admits he will feel better when he takes a look at De Vere for himself.
"Michael has been working on his rehab work at the Queensland Institute of Sport, which is one of the best in the business," he added.
"So there's no doubt that Michael has been in very safe hands.
"But it will be nice to see for ourselves just how well he's progressing.
"There's already a great sense of anticipation ahead of Michael's arrival and his presence next week should give everyone a real buzz.
"It's a great way to welcome the new year."
