UKUMA TA’AI has been named in the Giants 19-man squad for tomorrow’s opening home Super League XVIII clash against London Broncos at the John Smith’s Stadium (3.00).

A delay in receiving a work permit meant the former New Zealand Warrior back-rower (left) didn’t take part in his first training session with his new club until Wednesday.

But the 25-year-old has already shown he’s ready to play.

He is the only change from the 19-man squad that secured that stunning 40-4 opening-night win at Saints seven days ago, taking the place of dale Ferguson, who has joined fellow Super League side Hull KR on a month’s loan.

“Ukuma is a natural replacement for Dale in the 19 and gives us some more options ahead of the game,” explained Giants coach Paul Anderson.

“We don’t yet know his best position as it’s very, very early days for him.

“But the reality is he has come to play and looks in reasonable shape, although he will clearly get much fitter as time progresses.

“At this stage he is in my thoughts for London.”

As well as the interest in the potential debut of Ta’ai, there is also a great deal of interest in special guest Mark Cahill, the man who became Britain’s first hand transplant patient.

The Elland ARLFC chairman, who played for the club from 1978 and 2001 and also helped set up Huddersfield Pennine League club Lindley Swifts, has been invited by Giants chairman Ken Davy to be guest of honour.

His best friend, John Fairbank, will be joining him at the stadium, with Mark having played alongside John and fellow members of the famous Fairbank family, Dave, Dick, Mark and Karl. So it was fitting Mark was presented with his VIP tickets by the latest member of the Fairbank clan to make it in the professional game in Giants back-row forward Jacob.