GIANTS prop Mick Slicker is ready to return to action at Super League strugglers Castleford on Sunday (3.30).
Coach Jon Sharp has today confirmed the 25-year-old has passed a fitness test following a hernia operation which forced him to miss the last five top-flight clashes.
The Irish international is the first of the club's three long-term injured players to hit the comeback trail, with Julian Bailey (cheekbone) and Paul March (calf) still sidelined.
And Sharp is hoping Slicker can make an immediate impact.
"The way Mick has worked in the gym to get himself fit has been absolutely sensational," said Sharp.
"As a result, he's at least a week ahead of schedule, so being able to include him against Castleford is a real bonus.
"They have just boosted their squad with the signing of prop Mark Tookey from the NRL in Australia, and I know they are expecting big things from him.
"But we've got Mick available again to combat his threat, and I have no doubt he will do an excellent job for us."
Sharp will also be hoping to include winger Marcus St Hilaire at The Jungle.
He missed the weekend win over Widnes with a leg injury, but is showing positive signs of recovery.
