HUDDERSFIELD Giants' Super League opener at home to St Helens has a new date.
It will now take place on Sunday, February 4 (7.05), after it had originally been scheduled for two days earlier.
The switch has been made on the request of Sky TV, who will be screening the Challenge Cup final re-match between the Giants and the Super League champions live.
Sky had originally hoped for a Friday slot, but found none was available.
They then looked at a Saturday start, but with Town at home to Gillingham at the Galpharm that day it was a 'non-starter'.
That meant a Sunday slot was the only available option, and that has now been agreed by all parties.
Fortunately, the change will make no difference to the Giants' pre-season training schedule.
The bulk of the squad reported back for training this week and have been undergoing strength and fitness test.
They will then come together for the start of the first of many skills sessions, with assistant coach Keiron Purtill delighted with the shape the players are in.
"We had 16 fit blokes checking in for training on Monday, and our physios have been surplus to requirement," he said.
"It's unusual not to have any players hobbling around at this stage, because you usually find one or two recovering from end-of-season surgery.
"But all the boys, including those who have had minor ops, are looking great."
