Huddersfield Giants prop Craig Kopczak has admitted he can’t wait to line up alongside new signing Antonio Kaufusi for the first time against Hull KR on Saturday (3.00pm).

Following the postponement of last weekend’s pre-season clash with Wakefield, Kaufusi – along with Chris Bailey and Jodie Broughton – has been made to wait an extra week to make his Giants bow.

And Kopczak, who captained Wales at the World Cup, is looking forward to packing down alongside the ex-Australia international, after spending the majority of last season leading Huddersfield’s front-row charge with Eorl Crabtree.

The pair were left with huge responsibility in the pack after the retirement of Stuart Fielden, and Kopczak couldn’t hide his delight at the signing of Kaufusi for the 2014 season.

He believes the extra man in the front-row will take a lot of weight off Crabtree and himself, allowing them to be more effective – starting on Saturday.

Antonio Kaufusi is going to be massive for us,” said Kopczak, who enjoyed a hugely successful first season with Huddersfield.

“He’s such a talented player and such a big name in rugby league, and it’s great that he’s joined the Giants.

“He’s going to help me and Eorl in the front row and will be a huge relief for both of us.

“It’s true we had to shoulder a lot of responsibility last year, but we also had some good young players like Larne Patrick helping us out. He was outstanding last year and hopefully he can take that form into the new Super League season.”