FIT-AGAIN Keith Mason is relishing the chance to take extra responsibility in Super League XVII.

The 29-year-old Giants prop returned to full training this week after undergoing surgery on both elbows.

The former St Helens man knows it’s going to be a challenging year, with Mason and fellow prop Eorl Crabtree having to play a bigger role up front following Darrell Griffin’s move to Leeds.

But rather than shirking his responsibilities, the Giants No10 is looking forward to leading by example and giving the Giants the platform to have a super 2012.

“Both Eorl and myself are aware people will be looking to us to take on the extra responsibility,” said Mason.

“That’s because we’ve been around the club for a long time now, and in that time we’ve got a fair amount of experience under our belts.

“But taking on that extra responsibility is something that excites us and will hopefully bring the best out of us.

“We’re also looking forward to helping the young boys who will be handed their chance to play alongside us. Although we’ve lost Griff, we’ve got some cracking youngsters in the squad, and we know they can rise to the occasion.”

Mason finished last season in a lot of pain because of his elbow injuries, but is now fighting fit again and raring to go.

“I had some floating bone removed from my right elbow, which was causing me a lot of discomfort and prevented me from training properly,” he added. “Then my left elbow flared up as well, and I needed to have the same surgery.

“But that’s all behind me now.”