Aaron Murphy has taken little pleasure from his own start to the Super League XX season.

The 26-year-old utility back has been arguably the Giants’ top performer in the opening two rounds in 2015.

He was named man-of-the-match for his rock-solid full-back display in the 19-0 home defeat to Hull FC and backed that up with an equally strong showing in the 24-16 loss at Wigan five days later.

Those performances have added to his individual confidence ahead of Thursday’s trip to Leeds Rhinos.

But he admits catching the eye with another strong contribution at Headingley isn’t at the top of his agenda.

“Winning is everything,” said the Leeds-born Murphy.

“You obviously hope to play well in every game you play, and I have been pretty happy with my contribution so far.

“But it’s hard to take any sort of satisfaction from that if the team’s losing, which has obviously been the case in our opening two games. I’d certainly accept two wins rather than two man-of-the-match awards.

“Ideally, I’d like to achieve both, that would be the most pleasing outcome for me.

“And I don’t see why it can’t be done.

Huddersfield Giants' Aaron Murphy (right) celebrates scoring his sides third try First Utility Super League XX Wigan v Huddersfield 13/02/15 (Pic by John Rushworth)

“I do feel really positive about the way I’m playing at the moment, and I’m looking forward to putting in another strong performance at Leeds this week.

“I’ve come into this season having just completed my first full pre-season in a couple of years. In the last two years I’ve had to have operations on my wrist and ankle, which have held me back a bit.

“But this year I’ve started the season feeling really fresh.

“I know I’ll feel even better when we start picking up the wins, and I know that can start at Leeds this week.

“Obviously, it’s going to be tough, but we know we can do it.”

Murphy’s optimism has been based on the way the Giants improved between rounds one and two and the quality of the training work that’s taken place since the Wigan game.

Huddersfield Giants' Aaron Murphy scores his sides third try First Utility Super League XX Wigan v Huddersfield 13/02/15 (Pic by John Rushworth)

“We’ve forgotten all about that Hull game already,” added the former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats favourite.

“We’ve focused more on what we did at Wigan and the many positives that came out of that performance.

“Obviously, it was really disappointing to lose that night, but it made us all feel that we’re not that far away.

“It’s helped keep the mood positive and made sure we keep training positively.

“We’ve already put in some decent training sessions and we’re looking to build on that during the week to make sure we give it our very best shot at Leeds on Thursday.

“If we do that then we know we can win.”

And does Murphy have any real preference over where he plays?

“As long as I’m in, I’m happy,” he continued. “That’s because no-one can take a start for granted.

“With Scott Grix playing again after shoulder surgery that’s another top option for us in the backs.

“It means everyone’s going to have to keep on their toes.”