KEVIN BROWN is facing a race against time to be fit for the big pre-season trip to Wigan Warriors on January 19.

The Giants skipper (left) has revealed he had his appendix removed on Christmas Day and is still struggling to get back to full fitness.

Since the operation, the 27-year-old has lost around 5kg in weight and is only just getting back into the swing of pre-season training.

As a result, he is already a non-starter for Friday’s opening trial clash at Castleford Tigers.

But he is desperate to be back for the trip to the Warriors and the benefit game for his good friend and former Wigan teammate Sean O’Loughlin.

“I’d love to think I could make the Wigan game,” said Brown. “For a start I’d like to be out there for Lockers, because he’s such a good mate and been a fantastic servant to the Wigan club.

“But, more importantly, I’d like to get at least one decent pre-season game under my belt before we go back to Wigan for the Super League opener on February 5.

“At this stage, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I continue to make a good recovery, but it is touch and go.”

Yet even though Brown is disappointed to be missing Friday’s opener against the Tigers, he’s looking forward to seeing some of the younger members of the Giants’ squad in action.

“We’ve all been impressed with how well the younger boys have been training, and now’s their chance to shine in a game,” added Brown.

“To be honest, I think that’s the most exciting part about this game at Cas. Obviously, I’d have loved to have been out there with them, but it will be good to see how much they’ve improved over the pre-season training period.”