STEVE SNITCH is hoping a strong pre-season campaign will be enough to have given him the nod for a place in the Giants side to face Leeds Rhinos this weekend.
The mobile second-rower was singled out for praise by head coach Jon Sharp for his performance in the big trial triumph at Batley 12 days ago.
And the 24-year-old former Wakefield forward is keeping his fingers crossed that will stand him in good stead when coach Jon Sharp makes his final choice.
“Sharpy is keeping us on our toes by keeping his final selection very close to his chest,” said Snitch, pictured left.
“We’d all love to play in the game, but we know not all of us can. I just hope it’s not me who misses out.
“Like everyone else, the aim from day one in pre-season training has been to be included in the side for the opening game.
“To miss out now after putting in so much hard work over the past few months would be an absolute nightmare.
“But we all know we can’t take anything for granted, especially those in the forwards.
“With Stuart Jones having recovered from a hamstring injury, it means every forward is available for selection, and I don’t envy Sharpy at all with that. We’ve got five great props all desperate to play, and I wouldn’t like to be the one to tell them they’re not playing in a game like Sunday’s!
“But while it’s a nightmare for a coach, this competition for places does definitely make you work harder.
“It’s certainly helped me.
“I’m feeling fitter than ever before, and I would like to think that’s reflected in the way I’ve played in all three pre-season games.
“I’ll soon find out if I’ve done enough to play in what I know is going to be a fantastic game.”
Snitch has been named in the Giants’ initial 20-man squad, along with major injury concern, in-form winger Rod Jensen.
He is recovering well from an ankle injury and will be given until the very last minute to prove his fitness.
