SHAUN LUNT is relishing the challenge of the big Huddersfield Giants’ hooker battle ahead.

The fit-again utility forward will take to the field in Sunday’s pre-season clash at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (3.30) for his first game since facing the might of Australia with England in Melbourne in last autumn’s Four Nations tournament.

The 23-year-old has now fully recovered from double hernia surgery and is desperate to make an impact this weekend after missing the Giants’ rock-solid 18-10 home triumph over Hull KR in Eorl Crabtree’s testimonial game last Sunday.

Lunt has made no secret of the fact he would prefer to make that impact at hooker rather than in the second row, where he spent a large chunk of last season.

But with England Four Nations hero Luke Robinson having been handed the No9 shirt for Super League XVI – he will, of course, miss the first month of the season following major shoulder surgery – and David Faiumu and Keal Carlile also looking good in the role, Lunt knows he can’t take anything for granted.

“I can’t wait to get out there on Sunday,” said Lunt.

“After spending longer than I‘d hoped in rehabilitation following my surgery, it’s great to have spent a full week training with the boys this week, and it’ll feel even better to play again this weekend.

“It seems absolute ages ago that I was playing for England against Australia and I’m really looking forward to building on that experience this season.

“I’d obviously have loved to have had more game-time while I was out there – he didn’t play against New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the Four Nations or the warm-up fixture against New Zealand Maori – but simply being part of the England set-up was incredible.

“My time away was fantastic and it’s made me even more excited about getting out there with the Giants again.

“And it’s looking like that could be at hooker.

“After spending a fair amount of time in the back row last season, it’s possible I could find myself back at hooker this season, although I’m well aware of the competition I’ll be facing there.

“Robbo’s clearly going to be playing the role when he gets himself fit again and Fuey always comes up with a top performance when he’s in the role.

“But we’ve all been impressed with the way Keal’s been training throughout pre-season. He’s been fantastic and took that hard work into the Hull KR game last weekend, when he really looked good.

“Having said that, I thought everyone impressed last Sunday.

“The hard work in pre-season is obviously paying off, and it’s clear competition for places is again something we’re all going to have to get used to.

“But that competition is something I’ve always enjoyed. It just makes you work even harder to try and play better.

“Even when I’ve been fully fit, playing well and getting a regular start, I’ve never taken a place in the side for granted.

“Knowing there are so many good players around looking to take your place really does keep you on your toes, and I just wouldn’t want it any other way.

“And that’s something I’ll be taking into this weekend’s game at Wakefield.

“I know I’m going to have to play very well to stand a chance of making the side for our first Super League game of the season (against Warrington in Cardiff on February 12), and that’s an exciting challenge I’m facing for this weekend.”

Lunt believes his hernia surgery has been a complete success, but he knows the acid test will come this weekend.

“To be honest, the last couple of months since the operation has been a bit frustrating,” he added.

“When I was cut open, the surgeons discovered there was far more damage than first feared.

“It wasn’t as easy as the hernia operation Kev (Brown) had, and that’s why he’s already back playing again and did well last weekend.

“But the signs suggest my operation has been a success. I’m feeling fit and strong, and running freely.

“Hopefully, that will be reinforced this weekend.

“Wakefield are putting out a strong side against us, so it’s going to be a big test for everyone.

“I certainly see it as a big game for myself.”

Wakefield: Penny, Murphy, Millard, George, Jeffries, Obst, Korkidas, Rinaldi, King, Henderson, Ferguson, Morrison, Lee, Johnson, Dean, Mariano, Howarth, Veivers, Hyde, Spiers.

Huddersfield: Ansell, Carlile, Cording, Fairbank, D Griffin, J Griffin, Johnson, Kirmond, Lunt, McNally, Molloy, Orwell, Patrick, Raleigh, Sarsfield, Walker, Wardle, Whiteley, Wood.