HULL coach John Kear has warned Giants star Chris Thorman he will be a marked man in Sunday's Super League X clash at the Galpharm Stadium (3.00).
Former Huddersfield chief Kear watched the 24-year-old produce a stand-off master class to help the Giants win 30-12 in the opener at Leigh on Saturday.
It instantly marked Thorman out as one of the men to watch in 2005 - not that it came as a surprise to Kear.
And the new Hull chief has revealed that if he had got his way, Thorman would now be wearing black and white hoops.
"I'm proud of the fact that I brought Chris down from Gateshead and gave him his Super League opening at Sheffield Eagles," said Kear.
"I'm delighted he is fulfilling his potential and I know he can get even better.
"It's just a shame that it won't be with Hull!
"Eighteen months ago we tried to sign him, but he chose instead to play in Australia with Parramatta.
"Then when we heard he may be thinking of coming back to England in 2005 we made some fresh enquiries.
"But as soon as Huddersfield came in we knew we didn't stand too much of a chance. I know that's where he calls `home'.
"I know he'll be a big hit back with the Giants and will really make them tick.
"He's capable of unlocking any defence, which is something he did for me with England against Australia two years ago. That was the proudest moment I've had with him."
But Kear, who was in charge of the Giants in 2000, is also aware his former club is far from being a one-man band.
He also points to new signings Michael De Vere, Brad Drew and Paul Jackson as being the key to any Giants success this season.
"The Giants have gone for quality not quantity and it could pay off," added Kear.
"We know what De Vere can do because he's an Australia international.
"But we also saw at Leigh how good Drew and Jackson will be."
