BIG Giants signing David Fa’alogo will hit Huddersfield this weekend keen to play a major role in the build-up to the new Super League season.

Galpharm chief Nathan Brown has confirmed the 29-year-old New Zealand Test ace will spend his first week in rehabilitation after successfully undergoing minor ankle and knee surgery in Australia, where he played for South Sydney Rabbitohs.

That kept him out of the New Zealand squad that competed in this year’s Gillette Four Nations tournament.

But Brown believes that could be a blessing in disguise, with Fa’alogo expected to begin his three-year Super League stint in the best possible shape.

“I had dinner with David and his family when we were back in Australia, and they’re all excited about coming to England and starting a new life here,” said Brown.

“He’s feeling good after his surgery and we’ve checked out with his medical staff in Australia that everything went well, which we’re delighted to find out it did.

“But we’ll obviously check ourselves when he gets here, and the plan is for him to spend his first week in rehab.

“Hopefully, he’ll then join the rest of the players for pre-season training and play a big part in our work, because he’s going to be a very important player for us.”

Fa’alogo is expected to be handed a starting spot in the back row.

With Brown admitting he’s a prop forward light, the head coach does have the option of moving his new man into the front row if necessary – although it’s something he hopes to avoid.

“He can play prop, but we’ve not brought him here to do so,” added Brown.

“It’s our intention to leave him out wide to give us more strike power, which is something he’s done effectively all his career.

“We are light in the front row, but there are plenty of other options available.”