BIG Eorl Crabtree is predicting a massive year for the Giants.

Huddersfield open their Super League XIV campaign with a tough trip to take on Catalans Dragons in the South of France on Saturday.

Crabtree knows it’s going to be a tough and physical opener, with the French having finished third in Super League last season.

But on the back of a best-ever pre-season training regime, the 26-year-old is confident the Giants can come up trumps this weekend and put down an immediate marker in the competition against the Dragons.

"This pre-season is the best I’ve ever had, and I just can’t wait to get onto that field on Saturday," announced Crabtree.

"And I don’t think I’m alone in saying this.

"I don’t remember experiencing a buzz throughout the club quite like this before, and I know how much all of the boys are looking forward to getting cracking.

"I think getting a new coach in always freshens things up a bit, and having Nathan (Brown) here has certainly done that, even though Browny and Bumper (new head conditioner Mark Andrews) have worked us incredibly hard.

“But it’s also been really enjoyable at the same time, and I’m sure it won’t be long before their efforts pay off – big time,” added Crabtree..

“I do genuinely believe this could be a massive year for the Giants. Everything is in place for us to kick-on.”

And Crabtree is determined to play a major role in making that happen.

“Bumper’s approach has definitely paid off for me,” he added.

“Although the training has been so tough, I feel in great shape and very fresh.

“Fitness-wise and confidence-wise I’ve never felt better. The older I get, the stronger and fitter I seem to get, and that’s where my confidence comes from.

“I know it’s going to be tough at Catalans. We know it’ll be a massive forward’s battle, but we’re ready to tough it out and win that battle.”

Crabtree will be one of four Giants props in action at Catalans at the weekend.

Also ready to take up the front-row challenge are Darrell Griffin, Paul Jackson and Keith Mason, with new signing Michael Korkidas the prop to miss out.

But Crabtree believes it won’t be long before the former Wakefield favourite makes a very positive mark.

“Korky’s already a popular member of the squad and is enjoying himself here,” continued Crabtree. He’ll soon be a big part of the team.”