DELIGHTED Huddersfield Giants are on course to break the £100,000 barrier for season-ticket sales before Christmas.

It took the McAlpine club until March to reach that mark for Super League VIII.

But it's proving a totally different story for Super League IX and adding to the sense of excitement ahead of the League start against Castleford on February 22.

With tickets continuing to sell well until the December 19 deadline for loyalty discounts, that six-figure cash barrier and the 2,000 season-ticket mark could be smashed by then.

"We've been completely overwhelmed by the initial season-ticket uptake and there appears to be no let-up," said Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

"Many of our exisiting season-ticket holders have yet to take advantage of the loyalty scheme which ends on December 19, but have stated their intention to renew.

"Obviously that means a healthy number of season- tickets have been snapped up by new holders, which is a great boost for everyone.

"Statistics like this help produce a real feel-good factor around the place, although there are many other reasons why we're all feeling so good right now.

"It's obvious the players are thoroughly enjoying their pre-season training work under coach Jon Sharp and his team and they're all doing their business with smiles on their faces.

"We've already got all our main sponsors on board, and we've received assurances from our kit supplier that our new-look shirt will hit the shelves before Christmas - and that would be a first!

"There's a lot for us to look forward to in 2004."

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