Thorman so confident

CHRIS THORMAN will start next season 'fitter, faster and stronger than ever'.

The Giants captain admits that Super League XI proved to be one of the most frustrating seasons in his career.

Although he led Huddersfield to a first Challenge Cup final appearance for 44 years, a series of injuries prevented him from playing to his full potential.

That was a main reason behind the 26-year-old half-back's decision to pull out of the England squad for this autumn's Federation Shield campaign.

But with all his knocks - including a broken thumb - having now been overcome, Thorman is already firing on all cylinders.

"I can't remember the last time I felt this good," he admitted.

"I felt when I first announced I would be pulling out of the England squad that I had made the right decision.

"Now I know it for sure.

"As soon as the season came to an end, I put my feet up for a couple of weeks and did nothing.

"That seemed to work wonders, and for the past few months I've been working really hard and I feel fitter, faster and stronger than ever.

"And I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way.

"Everyone is enjoying themselves and putting in some great work in the gym and on the track.

"It's all hard work, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

"Obviously, injuries proved a bit of a problem for me last season, and I missed far more games than I would have liked.

"Hopefully, I will be able to put all that behind me and have a great 2007.

"With the way I'm feeling now I can't wait for the season to start."

Thorman is well aware, however, that he won't be able to take a place in the starting line-up for granted.

Although the Giants will not have the biggest squad in the world, they could be one of the most versatile.

Competing with Thorman for a half-back spot will be Robbie Paul, Kevin Brown, Shane Elford and Tom Hemingway, while Brad Drew and Ryan Hudson can also fill in if required.

And this is something of which Thorman is well aware.

"We're not short of options in many positions," he added.

"Obviously, I'm well aware of who I'll be competing with to start in the halves, and its exciting.

"There's nothing better to keep you on your toes and bring the best out of you than knowing there are other players in the side capable of taking your place.

"That's what I'll be facing next season.

"And that competition is also hitting the surface in training.

"We do a lot of the sessions in groups, depending on which position you play, so there are already some fierce little battles developing.

"It's obviously all very friendly, but it's great in helping to push us all that little bit harder.

"There's not really anything better to beat that and, hopefully, it will shine through when the season gets under way."