GIANTS coach Jon Sharp will not be rushed into recruiting more players for next season's Super League campaign.
Yesterday was the day top-flight clubs could officially talk to players coming out of contract at other clubs.
But while a number of rival coaches are expected to become embroiled in battles to sign up new players, Sharp is ready to play the waiting game.
Having already landed three top-quality recruits from Australia (where the September 1 rule doesn't apply) in Chris Thorman (Parramatta), Michael De Vere (Brisbane) and Brad Drew (Canberra), the Giants chief is biding his time.
"We have a clear agenda of where we want to be, and we have no intention of deviating from that course," explained Sharp.
"We know who our targets are and we are working towards making agreement with them.
"But I can confirm that we have not spoken to any players who have been in contract elsewhere.
"Furthermore, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that there are still games to play this season, and that remains the priority.
"We're continuing to work as hard as ever to turn our results around in the closing weeks.
"Getting back on the winning track is what matters right now."
The race to strengthen squads has already begun at other clubs.
Widnes, although still in the middle of a relegation scrap, set the early pace with the signing of Wigan pack duo Terry O'Connor and Mick Cassidy for 2005.
O'Connor, 32, and Cassidy, 31, have both signed one-year deals.
For Great Britain's O'Connor, who joined Wigan from Salford in 1994, it means he will end his career at his hometown club.
A spokesman for the club said: "Terry and Mick are great signings for Widnes Vikings.
"They bring not only a vast amount of experience to the side but also an ethic that is instilled into players that compete week in, week out at the highest level."
