Daniel Smith is determined to make his Huddersfield Giants Super League debut as quickly as possible – with Saturday’s clash at Catalans Dragons a realistic target.
The 22-year-old Wakefield prop made the move from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats yesterday morning, with fellow front-rower Anthony Mullally going in the opposite direction.
While Mullally’s switch is until the end of the season, when the Ireland international will make a permanent move to Leeds Rhinos, Smith will now remain at the John Smith’s Stadium for the next four-and-a-half years.
But the former Leeds Academy player, who began his playing career at Castleford Lock Lane, has made it clear he doesn’t want to wait too long before making his Giants top-flight debut.
“I’m fit and ready to play,” said Smith, who has been a virtual ever-present for the Wildcats this season but didn’t play in Sunday’s 40-20 defeat to Warrington because the Giants deal was so close to completion.
“Although it’s been a tough year at Wakefield and we’ve been stuck at the bottom of the table, I’ve still enjoyed every minute of it.
“It’s been the amount of injuries that have really hit us hard, but I’ve managed to avoid picking any up, which has meant I’ve played a lot more minutes this year than I ever expected.
“I’ve had to shoulder a lot more of the responsibility up front, and that’s helped in my own development.
“Rather than playing 40 minutes a game, I’ve been playing around 60, so my fitness is good.
“With the competition for places there is at the Giants, I know I can’t take a place in the side for granted.
“But coming here has given me a massive extra lift at just the right time – and knowing that someone like Paul Anderson, who has done everything in the game at prop, wanted me to join his club has added even more to my confidence – and I’m really looking forward to the chance to show everyone what I can bring to the Giants.
“All being well, my first chance will come in France this weekend.”
