There are many reasons why the Giants were so keen to secure the services of Ryan Hinchcliffe.
And tapping into his experience of playing in the biggest games in the Australian NRL with Melbourne Storm is right up there.
The fact he’s been a quality operator at hooker or back-row at the very highest level for a decade immediately made him a key capture.
But if he can also make the difference between the Giants falling at the final hurdle – as they have done so many times in recent seasons – or going on to claim either the Super League trophy or Challenge Cup, then his signing will have proven even more inspired.
“I suppose my experience is part of the reason why they wanted me here,” said Hinchcliffe, who has signed a three-year Giants contract and has arrived in Huddersfield with wife Brooke, three-year-old daughter Ivy and eight-week-old son Charlie.
“I’ll be 31 later this year, and over the past decade I’ve played and won some big games with the Storm (including NRL Grand Finals and two World Club Challenge triumphs over Leeds Rhinos).
“Along the way I’ve obviously learned a thing or two about what’s required to be successful in finals footy and the best way to prepare for them, and that sort of thing.
“So, hopefully, I’ll be able to impart some of that knowledge onto the rest of the boys here.
“Having said that, I don’t think one player coming in can make all the difference.
“To achieve success, everyone in the team has to have the right mental approach, but I hope my arrival will clearly make some sort of difference when the stakes are at their highest.
“However, for me, I see this move as being all about making sure I’m playing well and doing what the team needs me to do.
“If I’m doing that then hopefully everything else will fall into place.” And he believes he has joined a squad capable of achieving great things.
“Last season, the Giants finished third, had the best defence in the comp and were one game away from reaching the Grand Final, so I know I’m joining a pretty decent club,” added Hinchcliffe.
Take a look at the Giants season review in pictures below.
“I’ve been impressed with the professionalism of the club, the talent among the players and the high quality of training. The coaching staff are very, very good.
“I made sure that when I arrived here I didn’t have too many expectations. I had an open mind and decided I’d just take things as they come.
“So far, that’s stood me in good stead.
“I couldn’t have got a friendlier welcome from the boys when I turned up.
“It’s up to me to make sure I earn their full respect with what I’m doing on the training field as quickly as possible.”
