EXCITED Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer heaped praise on new head coach Jon Sharp as the club begin the final countdown to Super League IX.

Huddersfield entertain Castleford in a friendly on Friday (8.00) then travel to Leeds Rhinos nine days later as they prepare for their League opener, also against Castleford at the McAlpine, on Sunday, February 22.

And Rimmer believes Sharp's hard work will begin to pay off as soon as the Giants take to the field.

"I think everyone at the club has been highly impressed with the way Jon has gone about his job," said Rimmer.

"It was obvious that our former coach, Tony Smith, would be a hard act to follow, because he proved himself a great coach and helped establish us in Super League.

"But I never doubted from day one who his successor would be if he ever decided to leave.

"From visiting the training camp last week and from speaking to the players, it is obvious that Jon and his staff are more than fulfilling the potential we hoped they would bring.

"I do realise, as do all the players, that we are still in the honeymoon period, because the true proof will come when we take to the field.

"But with the amount of expertise, the attitude of the players and the way the new recruits have settled in, the whole place is really buzzing with belief that we can be even better this time.

"In my opinion, there's no doubt that we have moved on a level from last year.

"I think we have the right balance in the squad, and I can't wait for the matches to come around!"