BRAD DREW is a man on a mission.

Having missed the Giants pre-season clash at Bradford Bulls with flu, the 29-year Australian hooker is still waiting to step on to a Super League field for the first time.

But tonight, all that will change when the former Canberra Raiders star plays in Huddersfield's Super League X opener at Leigh (6.05).

Drew admits it will be like taking a step into the unknown, which makes his debut a daunting prospect.

But he is relishing the chance to lock horns with Leigh and show the British exactly what he can do.

"I've experienced a whole heap of emotions this week," said Drew.

"To be honest, the main emotion has been nerves. In fact, I can't remember the last time I felt quite this nervous as a season approached.

"I suppose that's because I`ve come to the Giants with people having high expectations of what I can bring to the team.

"In that sense, I don't want to let anyone down.

"And I certainly don't want to let myself down.

"I've always been a hard marker of my own game, which itself puts added pressure on me.

"But the other thing about this game against Leigh tonight is that it will be my first taste of playing in the British Super League.

"Until I step out onto the field I won't know for sure exactly what it is like.

"I've seen numerous games on video, and the standard is pretty high.

"But I really do need to see for myself, and put my own game to the test.

"As soon as I make the first tackle and the first hit-up I'll be OK, but right now I really do feel as if I'm taking a step into the unknown. That's a little nerve-wracking."

Drew admits that if he had played in the pre-season clash at Bradford Bulls on January 30, his feelings heading to Leigh would have been a little different.

Unfortunately, the flu bug scuppered all his plans, which left him feeling very frustrated.

"I was bitterly disappointed to miss that Bradford match," he added.

"I was dteremined all week that the bug wouldn't get the better of me and I'd be fine on the Sunday.

"But the closer it got to gameday, the more I realised I was looking the fitness fight.

"I really needed a hit-out at that stage to see where I was at the time and what I needed to concentrate on before the start of the season.

"Luckily, we had the game against the Under 21s behind closed doors, which proved very valuable.

"I was happy with the way things went and I felt my fitness was good.

"Physically, I'm in the best shape I've been in for several years. I've trimmed down a couple of kilos and, mentally, that's done wonders for me as well.

"But what really matters now is the way we perform tonight.

"Leigh may be the favourites to go down, but we're ignoring that fact. We know we have to treat them with the utmost respect or else we'll be in trouble.

"All we're doing is focusing on our own game. That's the important thing."