HUDDERSFIELD Giants have drawn up a shortlist of target signings for the next Super League season.
Chief executive Ralph Rimmer has confirmed he held talks over the weekend with in-coming coach Jon Sharp over the club's recruitment drive.
The pair also discussed the retained list from this season, with the futures of several of this year's players still to be finalised.
Among those who have still to secure new deals are Jamie Bloem, Darren Fleary, Jim Gannon, Graham Holroyd and Steve McNamara. Jarrod O'Doherty has already announced his intention to leave.
Explained Rimmer: "The majority of our squad are already contracted for next season, as Jon knows.
"And our meeting was really to draw up a list of players that Jon would like to see added to the solid nucleus we have.
"That, of course, then impacts on the current players we have that are out of contract, and it's a case of drawing up a squad of around 24 players that we believe can make a substantial impact next season.
"Jon's commitment at St Helens means he's across there virtually seven days a week, leading up to what he hopes will be a Grand Final finish for them.
"So, last weekend's meeting was a rare chance for us to really nail down his list of prefered signings and I can now begin the negotiating process with the various agents and players.
"The fact a new TV deal has yet to be agreed means the exact amount of money we can work with isn't known, but I'd hope to soon be able to make some positive progress on the recruitment front."
Rimmer is refusing to reveal the names of his top targets at this stage or those players the club wishes to retain.
But he is confident that when the announcements are made, they will underline the club's determination to keep moving forward.
"We are definitely looking at players who will add a great deal to the squad."
One of the potential targets had been Widnes back-rower Daniel Frame, who the Giants believed was about to move to the McAlpine.
"He had given us assurances that he wanted to sign for us. Unfortunately, he reneged on those assurances, which is fine because this club is only interested in signing players with integrity," added Rimmer.
