NEW Huddersfield Giants prop Craig Kopczak is relishing the prospect of facing former club Bradford Bulls next season – on at least three occasions!
The 25-year-old front-row forward arrived at the John Smith’s Stadium from Odsal at the end of the last Super League campaign after penning a three-year deal.
The Wales RL Test captain will be hoping to line-up against the Bulls for the first time at his new home on Sunday, March 3, before the return at Bradford on the last day of the regular season (Sunday, September 8).
But with the Giants and Bulls going head-to-head at Magic Weekend in Manchester on a new date of Sunday, May 26 – it was originally planned for the day before – the two clubs will be meeting at least three times.
If they’re drawn in the Challenge Cup and also earn the right to meet in the play-offs, that figure would rise – and Kopczak would be delighted.
“The first fixture I looked for was obviously the one against the Bulls,” he said.
“It’s always a special occasion playing against your former club, and the fact we’ll be meeting them at least three times makes it even more exciting.
“Personally, I can’t wait!”
The 6ft 4in, 17st prop is sure he’ll be in great shape to face his former employers after settling in well at Huddersfield.
“It’s been great here,” he said.
“Everyone has made me feel really welcome and I’m really enjoying how things are going at the moment and how professional everything is.
“We all get on really well, the banter is great and we’re all excited and raring to go for the new season already.
“And I’m also confident I’ll start the season a better player.
Click on the link below to view a gallery of Craig Kopczak and his fellow Giants as they step up pre-season training
“We’re being worked incredibly hard on the training field, but my body’s feeling good and I hope to start next year really big, powerful and strong.
“On top of that, Baloo (coach Paul Anderson) is spending a lot of time working on my technique and, hopefully, I can put that into my game and step up to a completely different level.
“The future’s really exciting.”
