HUDDERSFIELD Giants' growing stature in Super League should be reflected by an increase in television appearances in 2004.

Fixtures for the new campaign were released today, with a McAlpine opener against Castleford Tigers on Sunday, February 22 at 3.00.

Although details of a new Sky TV deal with Super League clubs have yet to be finalised, the Giants seem set to feature in at least four satellite matches next year with McAlpine officials giving the thumbs up to the full set of 28 fixtures.

Expected Sky coverage contrasts sharply with the originally-scheduled two matches in 2003, although that figure was doubled when Huddersfield became involved in the end-of-season top-six shake-up.

And if the Giants are again involved in key end-of-season business they could make more than the four anticipated appearances this time around.

In the first 20 rounds of the series, the away trip to Widnes, then the home games against Hull, Wigan and Warrington are expected to be shown live.

The Hull game will be a Friday night fixture and the Wigan and Warrington matches on Saturday evenings.

All those McAlpine clashes would have been staged at the controversial 5.30 kick-off time, which means that a maximum of seven fixtures will now take place on Sunday teatime.

Huddersfield's second home game of the season, against Bradford on Sunday, March 21, should produce the biggest crowd, and victories in the opening two fixtures, at home to Castleford and at Widnes (on Friday, March 5), would do the home following no harm whatsoever.

No doubt coach Jon Sharp will be asked about the fixtures tomorrow night at the Giants question and answer forum at the Chicago Rock Cafe (7.00).

Ready to answer questions are Sharp, and the rest of the backroom staff, Billy McGinty, Lee St Hilaire, Jason Davidson and Martin Higgins.

Entry to the event is £5, with the first drink free. Money raised will go to the club's squadbuilder fund.