Prop forward Daniel Smith is looking forward to the battle to win a starting place at Huddersfield Giants next season.

Smith, who joined the Giants earlier than expected when he signed in July last year from Wakefield Wildcats on a four-and-a-half year deal, made an instant impact in the campaign.

But the 22-year-old Pontefract-born forward, who came through the Leeds Rhinos Academy and spent a year in Australia with South Sydney Rabbitohs Under 20s before coming back to England with Wakefield in 2014, knows the challenge to win a 2016 Giants shirt is only just starting.

“The fact I arrived last season means I have had chance to get settled in and I have got to know the boys well,” said Smith.

“But while I am settled in, there is a very strong squad for next season.”

Leeds Rhinos's Ryan Hall is halted by Jack Hughes, Daniel Smith and Craig Kopczak First Utility Super League XX Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos 25/09/15 (Pic by John Rushworth)

While players may have left the club, Smith is now facing the challenge of winning a first-team place alongside newcomer and former New Zealand international Sam Rapira – a close season capture from Australia’s NRL – among others including club stalwart Eorl Crabtree.

“The club have set their stall out to build again for the coming season,” said Smith.

“They have certainly done that and everyone who is on board is raring to go in training.

“We are currently on a hard two-week programme ahead of Christmas and then we will come back and go into the friendly matches.

“It is something all the boys are looking forward to and it is your chance to show what you can do – and you have to back yourself now if you want to win a place for the start of next season.”