NATHAN BROWN is braced to face some of the competition’s big spenders at the start of Super League XV.

In an explosive opening to the 2010 campaign, the Giants start their season with a home clash against Bradford Bulls in front of the Sky TV cameras on Friday, February 5.

It’s then followed by two successive trips to Hull, starting with a visit to the KC Stadium to face the black and whites the following Friday and then on to tackle Rovers nine days later.

After that it’s back home and a Galpharm Stadium clash against Warrington when revenge will clearly be on the Giants’ minds after losing to the Wolves in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on August 29.

And Brown admits that’s a tough start to his side as they look to build on last season’s magnificent third-placed Super League finish.

“It’s going to be a good, tough start, there’s no doubt about that,” said Brown, who has been pleased with his players’ initial work at the start of pre-season training.

“It’s not that long ago that the Bulls beat us at the Galpharm and, with the recruitment they’ve made, I’m sure they’ll be even stronger. The Australians they’ve signed are all of a good quality, and there’s no doubt Matt Orford is a class half-back.

“Players in his position are about as rare as hen’s teeth, and he will definitely improve their team, so we know it’s going to be a great opening test.

“And that’s followed by the two Hull teams on the road, the first against another club who have recruited strongly, including bringing in Sean Long, which is certain to add extra interest to the game.

“Then it’s a game against the team that finished fourth last year before the big-spenders from Warrington, who’ve brought in Myler and Atkins.

“But although it’s a tough start it’s also a very exciting one.

“To be honest, who we play when and where doesn’t really bother us too much.

“We’ve got to play everyone home and away, and what concerns me more than anything is making sure we improve on what we did last year. That’s the priority for us.

“We know that if we can get better and continue to work hard, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position to have another good season.”

Full fixtures – Page 38.