Scott Grix is targeting the pre-season clash at hometown club Halifax as his first game back after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The 30-year-old full-back was booked in for the major operation as soon as the Giants’ 2014 Super League campaign came to an end.
That meant he would have as long as possible to get back to full fitness before the 2015 top-flight opener at home to Hull FC on Sunday, February 8.
But the Ireland international is already setting his sights on being 100% ready to face Championship club Halifax at The Shay on Sunday, January 25.
“I’d love to be fit for that one,” said Grix.
“I can’t remember the last time I played against my hometown club at The Shay, because it’s that long ago.
“But I know how special it would be.
“I’ve already targeted it as my first run-out following the surgery, and it’s good to have a game and a date to aim for. The fact it would be against Halifax makes that target even more exciting.
“Obviously, our opening Super League game against Hull is the one that matters the most, but to play Halifax and get some gametime under my belt is vitally important for me.”
Like Kyle Wood, who underwent major knee surgery, Grix is hoping to be out of rehabilitation and back running on the training field in the next week.
But he knows it’ll still be a while before he’s doing any contact work.
“I’m not even doing weights to build up my shoulder yet,” he added.
“Hopefully, that’ll be the case fairly soon. It’ll certainly make a change from having to spend hours and hours on the bike!
“I know that should help my general fitness, but I’m at the stage where I really need to be doing other things, and getting back running on the field will be a great place to start.”
