SPEAKING to James Evans on his arrival in England to take up an 18-month contract with the Giants, it's hard to understand how less than three weeks ago he had announced he was quitting the game.

The 25-year-old centre stunned Canberra Raiders when he asked the club to terminate his contract.

He had just started in five of the opening six games for the club and helped them reach fourth in the NRL ladder.

But despite the promising start, he had decided he wasn't enjoying himself any more.

He needed a break from Canberra and a break from rugby league.

So was this really the same James Evans that arrived at the McAlpine in midweek?

This James Evans was a player who was clearly excited about the prospect of playing rugby league with the Giants in Super League.

In fact, he couldn't wait to get started and test himself against the best of British.

"I thought when I first got here I would be really nervous," said the 6ft 2in, 15st centre.

"But I have to say I'm so excited about it all.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play over here, and this move has given me the spark I needed right now.

"I'd been at Canberra for several years and just felt it was time to move on to pastures new.

"This move to the Giants is exactly what I have been looking for."

A key factor in leaving the Raiders was clearly down to the painful memories of last season in the Australian capital.

Evans suffered a horrific knee injury against Parramatta in 2002 when he collided with goalpost in the act of scoring.

That left him with ruptured knee ligaments and a dislocated knee cap.

His rehabilitation took him 13 months, but his return this season showed he has made a complete recovery.

But having such a rough ride with the Raiders clearly goes some way to explaining why he felt he needed a fresh start.

"Spending 13 months on the sidelines was a real slog. It took the edge off my time with the Raiders," he added.

"But I can now put those memories well and truly behind me and concentrate on my new life with the Giants.

"I was aware when it was announced that I was leaving Canberra that there was interest from a number of clubs.

"Raiders coach Matthew Elliott suggested to me that joining Jon Sharp at the Giants might be a good move.

"And it quickly became my preferred option.

"I was immediately struck with what Jon had to say and by the professional way in which (Giants general manager) Richard Thewlis conducted all the negotiations.

"Obviously time will tell if this was the right decision.

"But my initial reaction having got here is that I've made the right choice. I can't wait to back that up on the field."