Huddersfield Giants supporters have three new faces to look forward to seeing this season, and they’re all itching for the Super League season to start tonight.

Jodie Broughton, Chris Bailey and Antonio Kaufusi were the three men brought in by Giants boss Paul Anderson to bolster his squad for the 2014 season.

Broughton, who was signed from Salford after scoring 60 tries in 99 appearances for the Red Devils, will add something every rugby league team craves – genuine pace.

The speedster was officially crowned Super League’s Fastest Man in 2011, after winning a sprint finish against his top-flight rivals at Headingley.

He will, however, be up against it if he is going to nail down a regular spot in the Huddersfield team, after Aaron Murphy and Jermaine McGillvary scored 39 tries between them last season, not to mention young three-quarter Ben Blackmore, who scored twice on his Giants debut last year.

But, he is hoping his pace will be enough to catch both his coach, and the fans’ eyes at the John Smith’s Stadium in 2014.

“I’d like to think I’m the quickest around,” said Broughton, who has represented England Knights.

“Having pace is obviously a massive asset for a winger, and I know the quicker I am the more I’ll catch everyone’s eye and, hopefully, get the nod.

“To be honest, I’ve never been timed over 100m, but when I won the Fastest Man race I clocked 11.2 seconds over 90m, which was obviously on grass and in my playing kit

“But when the new seasons starts, I’d like to think I’ll have got even quicker.

“Over the opening weeks of pre-season I spent a lot of time with Greg Brown to improve my technique and, ultimately, my speed.

“I’ve never been that quick off the mark, so I’m working hard trying to improve that. If that does the trick I’d be absolutely delighted.

“The John Smith’s Stadium is obviously a fast track, and I’m determined to use that to my advantage.

“We’ve got some quality wingers here, so it’s important you use your main strengths to your advantage.”

Since arriving at the club, Broughton has been keen to get his head down and make an immediate impression, in the hope it will secure him a spot in the starting XIII for the opening Super League clash with Wigan.

And after seeing the talent at Anderson’s disposal first-hand, he is confident the Giants can build on their 2013 successes.

“It’s not just the quality, but the depth in the squad that’s really struck me,” he added.

“Everyone knows how much talent there is here, simply because the Giants have just won the Super League Leaders’ Shield.

“But even under the first 17, there’s real quality. For example, I didn’t know anything about Ben Blackmore before I came here, but I can already see he’s a genuine rival to me for a wing spot. He’s big and he’s athletic.

Ben Blackmore celebrates against Castleford Tigers
Ben Blackmore celebrates against Castleford Tigers

“And Jake Connor’s really blown me away with his all-round ability. He’s going to be a special player.

“Obviously, for everyone to reach their full potential it needs the right coaching team behind them. I know that’s what we’ve got here, with Paul Anderson leading the way.

“I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive when I first met him, because I remember what an intimidating player he was. He’s got a big frame and a strong personality to go with it.

“But he also knows how to interact with his players and how to get the best out of them, and I believe that was the key to the Giants’ success last year.”

Those sentiments were echoed by fellow new-signing Bailey.

The vastly-experienced 31-year-old has been pencilled in to play loose-forward for Huddersfield following his move from London Broncos, and like Broughton, he was amazed by the skills shown by his new teammates.

“In the relatively brief time I’ve been here, the quality of the playing staff has really struck me,” said Bailey.

“Because Huddersfield lifted the League Leaders’ Shield, I knew I was coming to a club with quality, and I’m really grateful I’ve been given the opportunity.

“But I know that means I face a bigger challenge to get into the side.

“I was delighted to be handed the No13 shirt, because loose-forward is my preferred position. It gives me more chance to play with the ball, and on both sides of the field.

“But I am also comfortable playing in the halves or on the edge in the back-row if required.

“To be honest, as long as I’m playing I’ll be happy. I’ll do whatever’s best for the team, and I’m hoping having a couple of strings to my bow works to my advantage.”

Paul Anderson’s other close-season recruit – Kaufusi – looks set to add extra beef to an already formidable Giants pack.

Kaufusi will be a welcome addition to the front-row, after Eorl Crabtree and Craig Kopczak spent the majority of last season almost single-handedly fronting up for Huddersfield.

Chris Bailey and Antonio Kaufusi.
Chris Bailey and Antonio Kaufusi.

And Kaufusi, who won a Test cap for Australia back in 2006, is hopeful his move north from London will help him re-discover the form that saw him gain international recognition.

“After what has been a tough time at the Broncos, this is just the move I needed,” admitted Kaufusi, who spent a month lodging with Bradford Bulls forward and good friend Manase Manuokafoa before moving into his new home in Birkby.

“You can find that when your club’s struggling it can really wear you down. That’s what happened to me at London. So coming here is like a breath of fresh air. It’s really given me a massive lift.

“I was very excited when Paul challenged me to get back to the form that got me playing for Australia, because that’s exactly what I needed to try and get me back to my best.

“And because everything here is so professional, I know it’s something I can achieve.”