Paul Anderson is confident his young Huddersfield Giants will be able to handle the full physical demands of a tough pre-season programme.

Pete Aspinall, Ben Blackmore, Jake Connor, Josh Johnson, Kruise Leeming and Nathan Mason will report for the official start of the build-up to the 2014 Super League campaign next Monday having already got a month’s work under their belts.

Connor and Leeming missed the start of the sessions after being part of last month’s England Academy squad who secured a two-Test series triumph over Wales.

But Giants head coach Anderson feels all of the youngsters are now more physically prepared to join the senior players for next Monday’s pre-season start.

“The boys have really been put through it by (staff coaches) Chris Thorman and Stuart Fielden,” said Anderson.

“They’ve been doing two weights sessions and one wrestling session a day for five days a week, and you can see it’s paying off.

“Physically, they’re looking in very good shape. Everyone is bigger and in a far better position to handle the demands of what’s going to be another very tough season for everyone.

“It’s important everyone can play as full a part as possible in the work we’ll be doing over the next couple of months, and that will now include the younger end of the squad as well as the more experienced players.”

Besides the club’s rising stars, the Giants will also welcome new signings Chris Bailey, Jodie Broughton and Antonio Kaufusi to next week’s opening session.

“We’re looking forward to getting our hands on them,” added Anderson.

“They’re all good professionals, so we’re expecting them to make a positive impression from the start. I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.”

Jake Connor touches down for the Huddersfield Giants in the play-off defeat at Warrington
Jake Connor touches down for the Huddersfield Giants in the play-off defeat at Warrington