Craig Kopczak believes his decision to take a break from playing international rugby league is starting to pay off.
The prop has been involved in Wales’ end-of-season Test campaigns since 2010 and led his country in the 2013 World Cup.
But the 28-year-old elected to sit out the 2014 Welsh international series in order to get a first full Giants pre-season under his belt.
And he feels he’s reaping the rewards.
“I had a bit of a lapse last year, with the so-called ‘World Cup fever’,” admitted Kopczak, who is in his third year at the Giants following his move from Bradford Bulls.
“But I’m definitely getting back up there now and hopefully I can keep playing well and cement that first-team spot.
“I spoke to Paul Anderson about the way things had gone, because I thought I needed a bit of time off from rugby to enjoy some family time and freshen up, and I think it’s really helped me.
“I’ve had a full pre-season, which I haven’t had for a while now with the international duties, I’ve lost some weight and I feel a lot better for it.
“I wanted to kick-on after that first year here when we won the Super League Leaders’ Shield. It didn’t happen last year, but I know it can this time around.
“There’s certainly no reason why we can’t keep building on our four wins on the trot and make it five at home to Salford on Friday.”
