DELIGHTED Giants coach Jon Sharp believes his squad are now producing the highest quality work since he took charge 16 months ago.

The acid test of that statement will come when his side play their opening Super League X game at Leigh Centurions on Saturday, February 12.

But Sharp is confident his Giants will start the season in great shape, with this week's training camp in Portugal having played a massive part in the process.

"I don't think this camp could have gone any better," said Sharp.

"I couldn't be happier with the way the lads have worked, and there's no doubt they have raised themselves a level.

"The improvement in those players who were at last year's camp at Ripon to this has been exceptional, thanks in no small part to the influence of our new signings Mick De Vere, Brad Drew, Paul Jackson and Chris Thorman.

"The presence of these four has had a positive effect on the rest.

"When I first took over at the Giants, there were a lot of things I couldn't do with the players.

"I didn't want to stifle them by introducing too much.

"Now that has changed, and the quality of work that's being undertaken is far higher.

"The players have all had to work exceptionally hard, but they have enjoyed working at this higher intensity, and that's music to a coach's ears.

"Even Mick De Vere has admitted that he's been blown away by the level of intensity.

"And if a former Australian Test centre and Brisbane Broncos star is saying that, we must be doing something right."