GIANTS general manager Richard Thewlis has hailed the appointment of a community marketing manager as the Super League club's most crucial off-field signing in years.

Respected rugby league adminstrator Lisa Jagger will take up the new role later this month.

Top of her agenda is the need to increase Galpharm crowds in 2005, as well as seek extra grants and sponsorship to expand the club's community programme.

And Huddersfield officials are confident she has the right credentials to succeed.

The 33-year-old's CV includes a two-year spell as the Rugby Football League's Women's and Girls National Development Officer.

That followed a four-year stint for the former Huddersfield University student as the North East Development Manager.

She has also worked for the Giants on a voluntary basis in the past, played the game with Huddersfield and Bradford and is a qualified senior coach and coach educator.

"This is a position we have not been in the luxury to create for several years," said Thewlis.

"But following our on-the-field success we felt the time was right to take someone on board.

"And in Lisa Jagger we feel we have the best around.

"This is a vital appointment for the club, one of the most crucial we have made in years, and we know we have the right person on board to do the job."

* A reminder to non-season ticket holders that the cut-price early offer on tickets for 2005 finishes on Saturday. Tickets remain on sale until then from the Galpharm Stadium.