HUDDERSFIELD Giants are ready to go into Super League XI battle with seven new recruits.
And judging by the performances of them all in the club's pre-season games, all should make a very positive impact.
High-profile signing Robbie Paul marked his arrival by spearheading a matchwinning pre-season fightback at Castleford Tigers, while Australian Albert Torrens crowned an excellent debut against Bradford Bulls with a second-half score.
There was also a try a week later at Castleford Tigers for fellow new arrival Mat Gardner when the Huddersfield-born back-rower Andy Raleigh also made a strong debut.
And with former Wigan duo Martin Aspinwall and Stephen Wild plus ex-Wakefield man Steve Snitch all making good impressions on their new fans, Super League XI offers considerable hope.
But what do we really know about the new arrivals?
Clearly, Paul needs little introduction.
The 30-year-old New Zealand scrum half is a true celebrity of Rugby League having spent 11 successful years with Bradford Bulls where he won every honour in the British game.
He is a real livewire, who possesses tremendous pace, balance and skill, which helped earn him legendary status at Bradford.
He has captained the Bulls to victory in Challenge Cup finals, Super League Grand Finals and World Club Challenges, and is also the first ever player to score a hat-trick in a Challenge Cup final.
And he has already stated his intention to try and bring the success of the Bulls across with him to the Giants.
The 24-year-old Aspinwall progressed through Wigan's highly-successful Academy system, having been tipped as `one to watch' by Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay.
The utility back is noted for his strong defence and ability to find the tryline, having scored around one try in every three Super League games since his first full season in 2003.
He should be a reliable player on the Giants flanks, and will bring big game-experience to the club, having played in a Grand Final and Challenge Cup final for the Warriors.
Aspinwall arrives at the Galpharm along with fellow former Wigan favourite Wild.
The 24-year-old back-row forward has been a member of the Great Britain squad for the previous two seasons and made his debut in the game against New Zealand in 2004.
He is a committed defender who never gives up the chase and is also strong in offence, finishing second in Wigan's clean breaks and tackles charts last season.
He has experienced several big games for such a young player and will be hoping to bring that success to the Giants this season.
Second-rower Snitch will give added depth and competition for places to the pack and has been tipped for big things by many coaches and pundits.
A player who coach Jon Sharp has been impressed with since his days as assistant at Wakefield, the Giants fought off competition from top clubs both here and in Australia to capture the 22-year-old's signature.
And that clearly justifies his reputation as one of the best young British forwards in the game
Making a return to the Giants, where he starred in the Academy six years ago, is the 24-year-old Raleigh.
He arrives having served his apprenticeship at Sheffield Eagles and Hull KR, where last year he was the National League I Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year. Quick and strong, the back-rower has been tipped by many for international honours in the future.
Gardner is a powerful outside back who has represented England Academy.
The 21-year-old has played in three Academy Grand Finals with Leeds and also has Super League experience from a loan spell at Castleford in 2004, where he scored one try.
He will be looking to make a place on the wing his own in 2006, and to recreate the try-scoring exploits of his brother, St Helens and Great Britain star Ade.
And Gardner could well look to fellow outside back Torrens for guidance, with the 29-year-old having enjoyed a long and successful career in Australia where he scored 57 tries in 157 appearances.
A powerhouse back who is difficult to stop near the line, he should be among the leading tryscorers this season, and will be looking to form a potent link with likely centre partner and his fellow Aussie Michael De Vere.
