THE link between the Giants and Australian club Wests Tigers is growing even stronger.
After signing a trio of top Tigers for Super League XII, three members of the Giants coaching staff were invited to take a look inside the Wests training camp.
Keiron Purtill, Ben Cooper and new staff coach Paul Anderson inspected the Tigers' facilities as part of their two-week fact-finding mission in Australia.
During their Wests stay they also watched a skills session under the guidance of head coach Tim Sheens and assistant Royce Simmons.
And Purtill believes all three will benefit significantly from the opportunity to 'spy' on the operations of a top Australian NRL club in pre-season action.
"Tim and Royce made us feel very welcome," he said.
"It has basically been open doors, and you don't get that very often.
"It's a very impressive set-up.
"The skill level of the players is amazing, and one of the major things we have noticed is that the athletes here are a lot bigger than back in England.
"The raw talent is there and the body frames are there to work on.
"And the facilities at Concord Oval are fantastic.
"Everything is on hand for the players. It's very easy to go from the gym to the field, or to go and see the coach in his office.
"It is very professional."
During the coaching trio's time at the Tigers they also met the Giants new signings from the club - Shane Elford, Jamaal Lolesi and John Skandalis.
The three men have been allowed to train with the Tigers before they embark on their new Super League careers in England.
And Purtill was impressed with what he had to see.
"The attitude and mental toughness of the players is impressive," he added.
"When Skandalis comes over to Huddersfield his experience in that area and how he plays the game is going to be fantastic for some of our younger players to learn off.
"We are looking for a bit more strike power out wide through Shane and Jamaal.
"Their speed will be good, with Elford's defence out wide will be very handy."
Meanwhile, the prospect of Huddersfield playing Batley in a pre-season clash at Mount Pleasant on Sunday, February 4 is now looking increasingly unlikely.
It is expected the new Super League season will get under way that weekend, and the fixtures for 2007 could be unveiled as early as next week.
