GIANTS coach Jon Sharp is confident the club's decision not to embark on warm-weather training can reap its rewards in Super League IX.

While all the other 11 top-flight clubs have been heading for the sun in preparation for the start of the campaign next month, the Giants instead head north to an Army base in Ripon on Monday.

It was a similar situation last season, with Huddersfield electing to spend a week at Ampleforth College.

That appeared to do the Giants no harm as they went on to enjoy their most successful Super League season.

And Sharp is hoping it's a similar story this year.

"There are reasons why it may have been beneficial to have headed for the sun," said Sharp.

"But, at the end of the day, it's not where you go, it's what you do when you get there.

"However, I suppose we may have to keep our fingers crossed a bit tighter than other clubs that the weather for us is favourable next week!

"We have made provision in case the weather is foul, that's one of the reasons we picked this camp.

"And I'm confident that whatever happens, the week will prove beneficial.

"Many clubs are jetting off because their pre-season work has been disrupted by the weather over the past month or so.

"That's not been a problem for us because we've been able to continue doing quality work at the Leeds Road sportsbarn.

"So, in that sense, heading for the sun isn't quite as vital for us as it is for some other clubs.

"But next week is still vitally important in preparing for the start of Super League, which will very soon be with us."

Sharp reported a clean bill of health from the squad which was beaten 32-22 at Halifax at the weekend.

That means Super League squad men Eorl Crabtree, Matthew Whittaker, Paul Smith, Paul White, Ben Feehan and Philip Joseph - who all featured at The Shay - will be fit to travel to North Yorkshire.

"In any game you play, you always fear for injuries," added Sharp.

"Fortunately, everyone who played came through unscathed, and that means my first-team boys who were in action will take a full and active part next week.

"They're already gearing up for a week of very hard and intensive work."

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