NATHAN BROWN is confident the Huddersfield Giants’ new attacking style of play will reap its rewards in Super League XVII.

Huddersfield’s new systems were tried out for the first time in Friday night’s opening pre-season clash at Castleford Tigers, with first-choice full-back Scott Grix acting as an extra half back for much of the game.

With Brown’s side lacking several strike players – including a chief playmaker in Kevin Brown, who is still recovering from having his appendix removed over Christmas – it was difficult for the full range of changes to be implemented.

But the Galpharm chief believes there were more than enough signs during the 32-22 trial defeat at the hands of the Tigers to suggest things are starting to falling into place – something he hopes will be reinforced at Wigan Warriors in pre-season game No2 on Thursday night.

“We have made changes to the way we’re going to play,” said Brown, who is keeping those as close to his chest as possible.

“But that does mean it’s gong to take some time for the players to adapt to it, which is why these trial matches are so important to us.

“Fortunately, when we did get it right the other night, we did look threatening, and that’s something very positive for us to build on.

“Clearly, there’s a lot of work still to do to get to where we want to be, but there were certainly a lot of encouraging signs the other day.”

And Brown was also encouraged by the performances of his four new signings, with Jason Chan, Greg Eden, Luke George and Tommy Lee all making valuable contributions.

“It’s always difficult for the new guys coming in and having to adapt to a completely new way to play,” added Brown.

“But they all showed in patches what they’re capable of doing and I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to develop.

“Like everyone else who played the other night, there were some positive signs, along with signs that there’s hard work to do.”