GIANTS captain Ben Roarty knows his side's first home game of the Super League X season against Hull tomorrow is a big occasion!
After Huddersfield's impressive victory at Leigh in the season's opener a week ago, hopes are high that Roarty and his men can topple one of the so-called bigger Super League clubs at the Galpharm this weekend.
It's going to be a hard task.
But Roarty is no stranger to big games and tough challenges, and after starring for Melbourne Storm in the Australian NRL Grand Final in 1999, he has all the experience in the world to lead the Giants by example.
"It's going to be a proud moment leading Huddersfield out at home for the first time," said the Australian second-row forward.
"That makes it a big game, and I hope we can put on a show for the fans.
"And I would like to think my experience playing in the NRL will help make me a good leader.
"I've had a great career in rugby league and been privileged enough to play in some amazing games.
"But the one that really stands out has to be the NRL Grand Final of 1999.
"I was playing for Melbourne Storm at the time, and in the final we were up against St George.
"It was the first time the Grand Final had been staged at the new Stadium Australia, which was the main venue for Sydney Olympics.
"As a result, it attracted a world record rugby crowd of 107,000.
"We knew in advance the attendance was going to be massive because of the demand for tickets.
"But that can't prepare you for what it's actually like.
"When we came out of the tunnel ready for the start, the noise was absolutely deafening. I've never experienced anything quite like it.
"That adds to the nerves, although as soon as the game gets cracking you soon forget about the size of the crowd.
"And when St George took a 18-4 lead it wasn't looking good.
"But all of a sudden the tide began to turn, and I was lucky enough to score one of the tries that helped us turn it around and eventually celebrate a 20-18 triumph. It was a dream come true."
