TOP half-back Gregg McNally is ready to join the fight to be the Giants’ future full-back.
Scott Grix is in line to take over the No1 shirt for Super League XVI from departed captain Brett Hodgson, with fellow full-back Elliot Hodgson spending next season on loan at Championship club Batley Bulldogs.
But with the 19-year-old former Whitehaven half-back, pictured, having starred for Ireland at full-back in the recent Alitalia European Cup competition, McNally admits he could be tempted to make the switch permanent.
And he knows he would be even more determined to do that if it means he can secure a new Giants deal before the end of next season.
“I know Nathan (Brown) sees me as a full-back and I thoroughly enjoyed playing there for Ireland,” said McNally, who played a key role in helping Oldham reach last season’s Championship I Grand Final to crown a highly-successful loan spell.
“But apart from playing full-back for 40 minutes for Whitehaven against Toulouse two years ago, those games for Ireland were the first time I’ve played competitively in the position.
“I think it suits my style of play, and the game against Wales in particular (he scored a try and five goals in a man-of-the-match display as the Irish narrowly lost 31-30 to the team that went on to be crowned European champions a week later) gave me a big lift.
“As a result, I’d be happy making the switch more permanent, especially if it means I’ve got more of a chance to play in Super League.
“But what I also hope will count is my favour is that I can, of course, carry on playing at half-back if required.
“Browny likes players who can fill in in a couple of positions, and I now regard myself as one of those players.”
Although McNally was involved throughout Ireland’s European Cup campaign, he has already returned to training with the Giants.
Official pre-season training gets under way next Monday, but he has been working in the gym under fitness guru Greg Brown to try and give him the edge when head coach Brown takes charge.
“I’ve got one year of my current deal remaining, so this season is pretty massive for me,” added McNally, who could well spent the season out on loan as part of a dual registration.
“So I need to work as hard as I can in pre-season and do enough next year to convince Browny I should stay for longer, whether that’s at full-back or half-back.
“Hopefully, I’ll get the nod to play in the pre-season games, because I know how important those could be for my career.”
