HAPPY Hefin O'Hare is hoping his return to form can help the Giants spring a massive Super League surprise over former club Leeds at the Galpharm on Sunday (3.00).

The Welsh international is now back to his best after a topsy-turvy 2004 when he struggled to command a regular starting spot on the wing.

He has looked rock solid in all three of the Giants top-flight clashes so far this season.

And he is hoping he can build on that form and get the better of former club Leeds and his old coach Tony Smith.

"Playing one of the top sides is always special, but it's hard to beat this Sunday's match," said the 25-year-old.

"For so many reasons, this match is one that excites me more than any other.

"It's the chance for us to take on the reigning world club champions, and at a time when our form has been encouraging.

"Take away the slow starts against Hull and Saints and we'd be going into this match unbeaten.

"But the performances against both these sides shows we can match it with the big teams in the competition.

"If we can cut out the sluggish start against Leeds, then who knows?

"And if we can do something special against them, no-one would be more delighted than me.

"I trained and played with a fair number of this Leeds side when I was with the Rhinos Academy and it would be great to get the better of them and put them in their place!

"It's going to be difficult, we know that, but I've got good memories of playing against Leeds.

"In my first Super League game against them I scored two tries, but we went on and lost.

"It would be a dream come true if I score two tries again and we win.

"That's obviously what we're all striving to achieve."

O'Hare is now back to his positive best after being unsure of his future towards the end of last season.

There was strong talk of a move to Salford, while several rugby union clubs were showing an interest.

But he's delighted he chose to stay put.

"I'm the first to admit I lost a bit of form last season and that's why I lost my place," he added.

"But having now been given another chance I'm determined to make the most of it.

"And I believe it's so far, so good.

"I think we're all responding positively to the fitness regime of Geoff Evans, and the entire squad is looking sharper.

"I know I feel better, and that's done wonders for confidence.

"What it means is that we all can't wait for Sunday to arrive."

O'Hare still has to wait to be told what role he will be playing this weekend.

With Paul Reilly and Marcus St Hilaire both fit to return after calf injuries, Giants coach Jon Sharp has some difficult choices to make in the backs.

And one of the big questions is whether a place can be found for all three.

Sharp, and opposite number Tony Smith, have now announced their 20-man squads, with that number whittled down to 18 on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides have key men on the sidelines, with Giants captain Ben Roarty ruled out for at least a month with a rib injury and Australian test centre Michel De Vere still absent following his knee surgery.

And for the Rhinos, there's obviously no Danny McGuire and Matt Diskin.

But that's hardly likely to devalue the appeal of a contest that could well attract a crowd of around 10,000.

The Leeds club believe up to 5,000 fans could be making the trip, with Huddersfield hoping to at least match that number.

Once again the Giants have been putting together a pre-match entertainment programme which they believe will be a big success.

There are also special features to mark the fact it is Mother's Day (full details tomorrow).