STRANDED Ukuma Ta’ai has been working with a personal trainer to ensure he arrives at the Huddersfield Giants in the best possible shape.

The 25-year-old Tongan international back-row forward had hoped to be in England by now after securing a three-year deal to sign from Australian NRL side New Zealand Warriors three months ago.

But red tape has held up his move, with his work permit having still not been processed.

Giants officials remain confident their new big overseas signing will have arrived in time for the Super Leaguie XVIII opener at St Helens on Saturday, February 2.

Head coach Paul Anderson is in regular contact with Ta’ai and has confirmed his new man is following a fitness programme sent over to him by Giants fitness chief Greg Brown.

And he knows that will mean he should be pushing for a Super League start as soon as he arrives.

“Ukuma is obviously as disappointed as us over the delay,” said Anderson.

“But he is working extremely hard in the gym and working with a personal trainer on our behalf.

“They are following a programme which has been specifically designed by Greg Brown, and he is regularly updated by Ukuma as to how it’s going.

“So we know he’ll be in good condition when he finally gets here.”