DAVID FA’ALOGO is determined to live up to his reputation as a pack enforcer for the Giants.

The burly Kiwi is now fully acclimatised to Huddersfield weather and eager to turn up the heat in the Super League XV opener against Bradford Bulls tomorrow (8.00).

His appetite was whetted by the warm-up victory against Castleford and the big second rower wants to stamp a debut top-flight victory on his three-year Galpharm contract.

“Our first competitive game is here and I can’t wait,” said Fa’alogo, who has had ankle and knee operations since leaving South Sydney Rabbitohs.

“It was a bit of an eye opener against Castleford, because the pitch was really heavy, uneven and awkward. Some of the players said it’s going to be like that for weeks, but what can you do? That’s rugby league, although it is supposed to be played on grass, not stuck in the mud!

“I was quite nervous going into the game, because I’ve not been able to do that much training due to the surgery.

“Now I just want to play. I’m expecting it to be a slightly different kind of game from that in the NRL, where the game is tremendously quick, and it tends to be only at the scrums where the game slows down.

“A lot depends on how we approach the game and how we control the opposition, and try to control the speed from there.

“I’m quite sure it’s not going to be that different. At the end of the day, you still have to make your tackles and do your runs.”

He’s found it easy to settle in despite the change in climate.

“I quite enjoyed the snow, as did my son Bailey, but now I can’t wait for the season to get started,” he explained.

“I’m fit and just raring to go, and we’re all looking forward to the Bradford match.”

Fa’alogo and family have moved into a house in Shepley and are finding their way round the area and getting to know places around town.

“We couldn’t get out for two or three weeks because of the weather, but my family are loving it here. It’s such a new experience for them – if a little cold,” he said.

“I’m enjoying myself, although I’m having a bit of difficulty in understanding one or two of the accents, especially Lee Gilmour’s!”

Fa’alogo was a member of the New Zealand side of 2008 who defeated Australia in the World Cup final, alongside Leeds’ Greg Eastwood, whose father Dale comes from Meltham.

“I’m hoping to catch up with some of the other Kiwis in the League – on the field and off it!” he smiled.