CHRIS THORMAN intends to use his Great Britain snub to inspire him to his best season with the Giants.

Huddersfield’s captain had this week hoped to be training with the Lions for this autumn’s Gillette Fusion Test series against New Zealand, starting at the Galpharm on Saturday, October 27.

Instead, he will use his time to get over a number of knocks and recharge his batteries ahead of pre-season training in mid-November.

“Ideally, I would have loved to have played for Great Britain,” said the 27-year-old full-back.

“But, if I was being 100% honest, I know having a complete rest right now is probably the best thing that could happen to me.

“I’ve taken plenty of knocks this year, and I’m sure not being involved with Great Britain will prove to be of benefit to me and the Giants.

“Tony Smith (GB coach) has spoken to me about the reasons why I’ve not been included, and I really appreciated that.

“He, like me, could see that I started the year far stronger than I finished it, and how much the knocks have affected me.

“It’s disappointing not to be included, but there’s no point dwelling on it.

“In fact, this news has made me even more determined to come back stronger in 2008.”

Giant Whatuira gets Kiwi Test call – Page 35.