He's known as the fastest man in rugby league.
But new Giants winger Jodie Broughton is determined to become even faster to guarantee he secures a regular starting spot with the Super League minor champions.
The 25-year-old is well aware he faces a massive challenge to play week in, week out, with Huddersfield chief Paul Anderson admitting it’s a four-horse race between Broughton, Jermaine McGillvary, Aaron Murphy and Ben Blackmore for the two wing spots.
Former Salford ace Broughton hopes his pace could give him the edge when it comes to the race to be included in the Giants’ opening Super League 2014 fixture at Wigan Warriors on February 7.
Yet at this stage, he’s far from certain – and is determined to do something about it.
“I’d like to think I’m the quickest around,” said Broughton, who was officially crowned Super League’s Fastest Man after winning a sprint against fellow top-flight rivals at Headingley in 2011.
“Having pace is obviously a massive asset for a winger, and I know the quicker I am the more I’ll catch everyone’s eye and, hopefully, get the nod.
“To be honest, I’ve never been timed over 100m, but when I won the Fastest Man race I clocked 11.2 seconds over 90m, which was obviously on grass and in my playing kit.
“But when the new seasons starts, I’d like to think I’ll have got even quicker.
“Over the opening weeks of pre-season I’ve been spending a lot of time with GB (head conditioner Greg Brown) to improve my technique and, ultimately, speed.
“I’ve never been that quick off the mark, so I’m working hard trying to improve that. If that does the trick I’d be absolutely delighted.
“The John Smith’s Stadium is obviously a fast track, and I’m determined to use that to my advantage.
“We’ve got some quality wingers here, so it’s important you use your main strengths to your advantage.”
But as well as competition on the wings, Broughton has been highly impressed by the strength throughout the squad.
“It’s not just the quality, but the depth in the squad that’s really struck me,” he added.
“Everyone knows how much talent there is here, simply because the Giants have just won the Super League Leaders’ Shield.
“But even under the first 17, there’s real quality.
“For example, I didn’t know anything about Ben Blackmore before I came here, but I can already see he’s a genuine rival to me for a wing spot. He’s big and he’s athletic.
“And Jake Connor’s really blown me away with his all-round ability. He’s going to be a special player.
“Obviously, for everyone to reach their full potential it needs the right coaching team behind them. I know that’s what we’ve got here, with Paul (Anderson) leading the way.
“I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive when I first met him, because I remember what an intimidating player he was. He’s got a big frame and a strong personality to go with it.
“But he also knows how to interact with his players and how to get the best out of him, and I believe that’s been the key to the Giants success this year.”
