Brett Ferres is already confident the Huddersfield Giants’ new signings will make them a stronger Super League force in 2015.

The England back-row forward returned to the club for pre-season training this week following his involvement in last autumn’s Four Nations tournament in Australia.

And in the short time Ferres has been back on the Giants’ scene he can tell how much of an influence his former Castleford teammates Craig Huby and Jamie Ellis and on-loan Wigan back-rower Jack Hughes have had on the squad.

“I expect all three of them to be making a positive impact for us, because they’re very good players,” predicted Ferres.

“Jamie brings a lot to us at present in the half-back position. He’s got a cracking kicking game and his all-round organisational skills are very good.

“Craig’s a good friend of mine and we’ve brought him in to strengthen us in the pack down the middle, and it’ll be great to have him in there.

“And I’ve always rated Jack very highly. I was fortunate enough to play with him the other year for the England Knights and he hits a very good line. He’s very skillful, he’s a big athletic guy and he’ll bring a lot to us on that right edge.

“But from the brief time I’ve been back here – my first day was Saturday – In would expect everyone to step things up this year.

“I could tell straight away the lads really ripped-in in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I think the levels of fitness and the shapes of the bodies have certainly increased, and that bodes well for the new season.”