GIANTS coach Jon Sharp has admitted the sight of his club's fixtures for Super League X has added to his excitement ahead of the big kick-off.
His Huddersfield side face a tricky opener at newly-promoted Leigh on Saturday, February 12 in front of the Sky TV cameras (6.05).
The following Sunday the Giants face former coach John Kear's Hull FC in the opening Galpharm Stadium fixture.
An away trip to St Helens and a home assignment against new Super League champions Leeds Rhinos are next up in a tough start to the campaign.
But that has not dented Sharp's enthusiasm as he prepares his side for a season in which two clubs face the threat of relegation to allow the Super League inclusion of French club UTC in 2006.
"There's always a real sense of excitement when the fixtuires are released," said Sharp.
We've got a very difficult opening fixture, and then face Hull, St Helens and Leeds.
"But we will be positive about this.
"These are the clubs we are aiming to match - and beat - and we do, of course, have to play them at some stage in the season.
"Playing the likes of Leeds, Hull and St Helens at an early stage will give us an indication of how well we are progressing.
"These are definitely games we will be looking forward to playing."
Super League will, as usual, consist of 28 weekly rounds before the end-of-season play-offs.
To reach that figure the Giants face extra home matches against Wigan, Leigh and Warrington, while they must twice travel to Bradford, Wakefield and London.
There's also a late start to the Challenge Cup, with Super League clubs entering in round four in April and the final taking place on Saturday, Augist 27.
