NATHAN BROWN is looking for a strong performance tomorrow to put the Giants in the perfect shape for the Super League XVI opener against Warrington Wolves on February 12.

The Huddersfield chief will send a full-strength squad into action against a St Helens side who are also expected to field all their Super League big guns.

That means Brown’s men will be tested to the full in the clash at Widnes Vikings’ Stobart Stadium (3.00), which has become Saints’ temporary home this season as building work on their new ground continues.

But Brown believes the stronger the challenge, the better it will be for his side as they gear up for the big battle with Challenge Cup holders Warrington in their Magic Weekend clash at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, which will officially kick-off the new campaign.

“There were some good points in our performance against Hull KR the other week, but there were also areas that still need to be improved,” said Brown, whose side beat Rovers 18-10 in Eorl Crabtree’s testimonial clash 12 days ago.

“And making those improvements is something we want to see tomorrow.

“We’re pleased St Helens are going to field a strong side, because that’s the way we’ll be able to see exactly where we’re at.

“But I do believe that if we can build on what we produced against Hull KR and show the necessary improvements then it will make us a much more dangerous team and one capable of challenging this year.

“Winning isn’t the be all and end all this weekend – the performance is key – but when you’re playing at this level you always go out there aiming to win.

“And there’s no doubt that if we can beat a side like Saints this weekend it adds to your confidence, because a team like them don’t make a habit of losing very often.

“It would certainly put us in even better heart before we start the real stuff against Warrington.

“Everything we’re doing at the moment is geared up to making sure we’re as ready as we can be for February 12, and that means a decent hit-out at Saints tomorrow is very important.”

The mood within the Galpharm camp has once again been upbeat, with the nature of Sunday’s 24-16 triumph at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats having given everyone a big lift.

While the Giants fielded a ‘reserve’ side made up of the club’s talented youngsters and just five senior players, the Wildcats sent their strongest available Super League side into action.

And Brown admits that seeing the younger members of his squad perform to such a high standard bodes well for the future.

“The way a lot of the young blokes went at Wakey was good to see,” added Brown.

“As a result, one or two of them have made it into the squad to face Saints this weekend, which is what we had hoped.

“The performance on Sunday showed that some of the players who have been with us for the past two or three years are taking steps forward, while the new blokes have demonstrated they’re definitely capable of becoming Super League players.

“To be honest, we weren’t that surprised with the way they played, because we’ve seen how they’ve all been training throughout pre-season.

“It’s now up to the senior players to follow suit at St Helens tomorrow.”

As well as the interest in the strength of the Giants and Saints line-ups, the appointment of Steve Ganson as the referee will also be a talking point.

Ganson has been cleared to resume refereeing this season after he was released from bail without charge following an allegation of assault during the weekend of the Challenge Cup semi-finals last August.

He was suspended from his match official duties after being arrested outside a wedding reception in Haydock and was put on ‘gardening leave’ by the Rugby Football League for the rest of the season while investigations into the incident took place.

But the RFL confirmed late last year that the 40-year-old will retain his place on the full-time panel of referees after all charges were dropped.