NATHAN BROWN intends to make full use of the new loan system.
The Giants chief has confirmed at least three younger members of his squad will have playing spells away from the club next season.
Who that will be has yet to be decided, although there has already been widespread speculation new scrum-half signing Kyle Wood may be loaned straight back to former club Sheffield Eagles or link up with fellow Co-operative Championship side Batley Bulldogs.
That’s where Jermaine McGillvary had a highly successful time last season, and Brown knows how important loan moves can be in terms of player development.
“Going on loan gives younger players the chance to test themselves at a good level,” said Brown.
“We’ve not spoken yet to see how things will unfold and who might go where.
“But we’re definitely looking for three or four of our younger blokes to go on permanent loan, because under this system we’ve got the chance to re-call them at 24 hours’ notice.”
A final decision on which players may be loaned out could well be delayed until after Brown has taken a close look at everyone in pre-season training.
The Giants are now into their fourth official day of work, although the majority of the senior squad underwent fitness tests last week .
And Brown has been encouraged by the initial signs.
“You can almost guarantee rugby league players will turn up for the start of pre-season training in reasonable shape, and that’s the case with this group,” added Brown.
“Obviously, you don’t want the players to be at their peak fitness just yet, but there’s no reason why they won’t be when the season gets under way.”
Those who have been able to take a full part in this week’s work included New Zealand Test centre Paul Whatuira, who is recovering well after spending two weeks in a secure mental health unit in Bradford, and the fit-again Kevin Brown.
The Giants stand-off has made an excellent recovery from the knee injury he suffered in the Challenge Cup final against Warrington at Wembley and is already looking sharp on the training ground.
Those still to get down to business on the training ground are new signing Brad Drew, Danny Kirmond and Stephen Wild, who are recovering from knee surgery, while Simon Finnigan remains sidelined after a shoulder operation followed by one on his neck.
New recruits David Fa’alogo and Lee Gilmour are soon to arrive, along with hooker David Faiumu, with captain and Man of Steel Brett Hodgson staying in Australia until after Christmas.
