DANNY KIRMOND has made it clear he wants to be a back-row forward for the Giants.

But the 25-year-old former Featherstone Rovers winger has admitted he’d be happy to play anywhere if it can guarantee him a regular spot in Huddersfield’s Super League side.

Kirmond is expected to be handed a second-row start for the Giants in Sunday’s pre-season clash at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (3.30).

He will then be hoping to do enough to keep hold of his spot for the pre-season trip to St Helens the following Saturday in what will be Huddersfield’s final warm-up clash before the Super League XVI opener against Warrington Wolves at Cardiff on Saturday, February 12.

But with David Fa’alogo and Luke O’Donnell almost certain to start the campaign in the second row and David Faiumu at loose-forward, and the likes of former Great Britain back-rower Lee Gilmour, England international Shaun Lunt, Graeme Horne, Larne Patrick and Andy Raleigh all keen to have a shot in the back row, Kirmond knows he has a tough task ahead of him.

“I think everyone knows I’d like to play in the second row if I had the choice,” said Kirmond.

“Obviously, that puts me up against two internationals in the position in Luke and David, as well as a former Great Britain second-rower in Gilly.

“And I know there are others in the squad who fancy a crack, too, including some of the younger boys who are now showing they’re ready to step up to the higher level.

“But I see that as a good thing rather than a bad one, because you can guarantee that’ll make you work even harder to get what you want. You just can’t beat competition like that.

“Having said that, Browny knows I’m happy playing in other positions as well.

“I know it’s one of the oldest cliches in the world, but I really would play anywhere if it could guarantee me a regular spot in the Super League side.

“As well as playing in the back row here, I’ve played up at prop and also in the backs.

“In fact, I did play on the wing for Wakefield in Super League during my loan spell there last season and felt comfortable there.

“It’s not ideal, but my main focus will always be to take on the role for the good of the team, whatever that role might be.”

Kirmond is relishing the chance to show what he can do back at his former club this weekend, although he has admitted impressing his old teammates isn’t exactly his top priority.

“I loved my time at Wakefield and made some really good friends along the way,” he added.

“To be honest, I was with the Wakefield boys last week for Michael Korkidas’ birthday, and I had a great time.

“But no-one mentioned this Sunday’s game at all. There was no talk whatsoever about what we’d do to each other or anything like that.

“I’m sure there’d have been a bit of light-hearted banter if we’d have met up this week, but we all know that when it comes to the crunch there’s far more resting on this weekend than any individual duels.

“This is an important game for both clubs in the build-up to the new Super League season, and the No1 priority is to make the right impression on your coach so you get picked at the start of the season.

“I know that’s the case with me.

“I’ll be going into this game feeling fitter than ever before and on the back of what’s been a highly enjoyable, although incredibly tough, pre-season.

“Last year I missed out on a pre-season because I was in rehabilitation after knee surgery.

“As a result, I was behind my teammates in terms of the important fitness work, and that made things pretty tough.

“But towards the back end of the season I was feeling much better, and I was also able to go up another level when I came back for the Giants for the play-offs.

“I’m now looking forward to building on that and hopefully showing everyone that I do deserve to be part of what’s going to be an even stronger Huddersfield pack.”