LISA JAGGER will take up her new role with the Giants later this month and has already set herself two major targets.

As the Super League club's ambitious new community marketing officer, her first goal is obvious - increasing the profile of Huddersfield Giants.

But the 33-year-old is equally determined to ensure the profile of rugby league throughout the town continues to rise.

Jagger is convinced that if this second objective can be achieved, everyone across the board will benefit significantly.

"Rugby league is a sport that is growing stronger and stronger, day by day," said the former University of Huddersfield student.

"In my six years working for the Rugby Football League, I have seen the game flourish and open up to more people than ever before.

"We have record levels of players now competing at all age groups, both boys and girls, new clubs are being formed all the time and more schools are now participating in competitions across the country.

"This is being reflected by the increase in crowds at Super League level, and that's something which the Giants really need to start tapping into.

"I want to see the game flourish at local level, because I know that ultimately it will have a positive knock-on effect for the Giants.

"The more interest there is in the game in the community, the more interest there will be in the Giants."

And these predictions are based on years of experience already gained on the development front.

By the age of 27, she had been installed as the RFL's North East Development Manager and for the past two years has been the RFL's Women's and Girls National Development Officer.

That has given her the perfect grounding for the new role with the team she has followed for over a decade, and she is determined to make it a complete success.

"I've learned an incredible amount over the past six years and been fortunate enough to work alongside some top-quality people," she added.

"It's now time for me to use all this experience for the benefit of the Giants.

"My ultimate aim is to see our crowds matching those of the top clubs in Super League, but I'm aware that it won't happen overnight. It will take time.

"But there's no doubt it's a good time to join the club.

"They have just enjoyed their best season for 40 years and in Jon Sharp they have the best young British coach around.

"Everything is so positive, and I want the whole of the Huddersfield rugby league community to share in any future success.

"One of my first tasks when I arrive at the Galpharm in the last week of November is to contact all the clubs in Huddersfield asking what the Giants can do to help them and what they can do to help the Giants.

"I believe it's vitally important for all the clubs throughout the town to work together for the overall benefit of the game.

"I'm looking forward to listening to as many views as possible, and doing what I can to help.

"That's what I'm here for."