ENGLAND cricketer Ryan Sidebottom is backing the Giants to become an even stronger Super League force!

The 31-year-old left-arm fast bowler admits he has become one of Huddersfield’s biggest fans, even though his commitments with Nottinghamshire and on the international front have made it difficult for him to watch the Giants on a regular basis.

But the former King James Grammar School pupil, who has represented his country on 45 occasions in 21 Tests and 24 one-day internationals, is determined to see Nathan Brown’s men more times in Super League XV.

And he expects them to keep on improving under the influence of the Australian.

“Rugby league’s a great game to watch, particularly when you’re own team is doing so well!” said Sidebottom, who has just underlined his support by signing up as a season-ticket holder ahead of Saturday’s discounted deadline.

“I started supporting the club from the age of about 10, and I’ve loved it ever since.

“My Dad (Arnie) would take me to watch games on a regular basis and we’d travel all over to watch.

“My cricketing commitments obviously restrict me somewhat when it’s the season, but I still follow the team’s progress every week and get down when I can.

“And there’s no doubt that progress has been fantastic.

“We are a club that’s going places, there’s no doubt about that.

“Every time I get down to the stadium I’m impressed with how well everything goes on. On the field the team had a great year in 2009 and I’m sure Browny and the coaching staff will be looking to take the team to the next level in 2010. I have complete confidence they will.

“As a Huddersfield boy, it’s brilliant to see local lads like Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe and Michael Lawrence coming through the ranks and into the first team.

“Things can only go from strength to strength now and, even though I know I can’t get to every game, I had no hesitation in getting a season ticket. “With the signings we’ve made I can’t wait for the new season to get under way.”