GIANTS coach Nathan Brown will have an almost full-strength squad at his disposal by this time next week.
With big new signing David Fa’alogo arriving later this week and David Faiumu jetting in a couple of days later, it means Brett Hodgson will be the only senior member of the squad missing before Christmas.
Super League Man of Steel Hodgson has been given permission to train on his own in Australia until the New Year, which was also the case last season.
And Brown is excited about the prospect of seeing so many of his players back in the club.
"Almost as soon as David Fa’alogo gets here, we’ll be welcoming back Fooey from his holiday," said Brown, whose club are now being linked with a possible move for Hull FC’s utility man Graeme Horne.
"It’s always an exciting time when you have most of your blokes back."
Meanwhile, Matt Orford should be confirmed as a Bradford Bulls player later this week.
The Australian scrum-half agreed a move to Odsal last week but the deal has been challenged by one-time Bulls target Chris Walker.
Former Gold Coast star Walker claims he had a two-year contract with Bradford wrapped up before Orford took the club’s final overseas quota spot for 2010.
But it is believed Walker’s contract was not registered with the RFL and there is not expected to be any problems in completing Orford’s registration from Manly.
If the deal does go ahead, Australian NRL Grand Final winner Orford is expected to make his debut against the Giants at the Galpharm Stadium in the Super League XV opener on Friday, February 5.
England rugby union defence coach Mike Ford has ruled out the possibility of taking over the nation’s rugby league side.
