NEW signing Paul Whatuira is determined to repay a warm Huddersfield welcome by hitting top form for the Giants in Super League.
The 26-year-old New Zealand Test centre has already made a positive impression with three quality displays in pre-season.
The former Wests Tigers star, left, admits it’s a solid start.
But he knows there’s still a lot more to come, and is already looking at stepping up a gear for next Sunday’s home Super League opener against champions Leeds Rhinos at the Galpharm.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind start to my time here, but I’ve absolutely loved it,” said the classy three-quarter.
“I got here on December 29, played my first game a week-and-a-half later, and only now do I feel as if I’ve been able to catch my breath.
“And if that sounds like I’m complaining, I’m certainly not.
“From day one, everyone has made me feel really welcome.
“The boys have been great, and the people of Huddersfield are fantastic.
“I thought when I first got here I might feel a little homesick, but I haven’t once.
“That’s down to all the people around me, and I would like to think I could make a solid start for them as much as anyone.
“Although I felt I went all right in the three trial games we had, I know there’s room for improvement, and I aim to show that against Leeds next weekend.
“It’s going to be a massive game, because they are a quality side.
“But so are we.
“I know Super League as a competition is going to be tough, and it’ll be fantastic if we could get off to a winning start.
“Leeds at home is one of the toughest games we could have got to start, but after the pre-season we’ve had we won’t be lacking confidence.”
