THE smallest man on the field made the biggest impact for the Giants as Sean Penkywicz ripped Castleford Tigers apart.
Anyone who doubted the ability of the 21-year-old following his winter move from relegated Halifax were made to eat their words.
In the first half he was almost impossible to stop, with darting run after darting run causing chaos right through the heart of the Tigers' defence.
He was also to the fore defensively, with one big hit to stop prop Craig Greenhill in his tracks making a lasting impression.
No wonder, therefore, that the talented youngster was delighted with his opening McAlpine effort.
"I'm delighted to have got that first game under my belt so successfully," he said.
"I was pleased with my performance, but I was even more pleased with the way we played as a team and the way we gelled together.
"We're obviously not going to get too carried away at this stage, but the early signs do look promising."
Penkywicz joined the Giants as a scrum half or hooker, but the way things went last night it seems certain coach Jon Sharp will use him as a No9.
He relished the space he was given around the ruck and capped a fine display by scoring the Giants' second try, courtesy of some good work by Brandon Costin.
But Penkywicz admits he would be happy to play anywhere.
"Last season I played at scrum half," he added.
"But up until then I'd spent all my time at hooker, so I suppose that's where I feel the most comfortable.
"I couldn't quite believe how much space I was given around the ruck, although I wasn't complaining.
"It was just great to be a part of such a fine team victory."
