FIT AGAIN Shaun Lunt is desperate to pack in as many of the Giants pre-season games as possible.

The 24-year-old England hooker, missed the final two months of last season after undergoing groin surgery.

Lunt had hoped to have returned to the play-offs, but then suffered a couple of minor injury setbacks on the eve of his planned comeback.

But having now got back to full fitness, the former Workington Town No 9 is just raring to go.

He has already firmly set his sights on Huddersfield’s first trial clash at fellow Super League side Castleford Tigers on Friday, January 13, and he would also love to see some action at Wigan for Sean O’Loughlin’s testimonial game six days later.

He also admits he’d be more than happy to feature at Batley on January 22, and against Halifax seven days later, if it would help him get back to full match fitness.

“The final few months of last season was some of the most frustrating I’ve ever known,” reflected Lunt.

“A couple of times I thought I’d be fit to play, but then broke down in the final training sessions. That was tough to take.

“But I feel great now, and I just can’t wait to get back out there on the field.

Nathan Brown hasn’t really mentioned the pre-season games, and nobody yet knows who’ll be playing and when.

“All you’ve got to do is get your head down in training, try and create a good impression and hope to get the nod to play in the games.

“And, after the frustrations of last season, I’d be happy playing as much as possible.

“There’s nothing worse for a player than having to sit on the stands while your team mates are out there.

“So the thought of the chance of playing a lot of minutes in the pre-season games is something that really excites me.”

The Giants are expected to be given a big test at the PROBIZ Coliseum on Friday week.

Both Giants chief Brown and new Castleford coach Ian Millward have hinted they will be fielding strong squads.

The Tigers have already shown their pre-season teeth with a 28-18 Boxing Day home triumph over Bradford Bulls, in which new signing and ex Giants Josh Griffin was a first-half scorer.

And many of Castleford’s top stars sat out that game including England half-back and super league man of steel Rangi Chase. But it’s expected they will return to face the Giants.