GIANTS back-rower Paul Smith is poised to lead his side's challenge against Halifax in Monday's Infirmary Cup clash at The Shay (7.00).

Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp has revealed he will be saving the bulk of his senior squad for the Giants' second pre-season game at Bradford Bulls on Sunday, January 30.

But the Galpharm chief has made it clear that several of his first-team players will feature on Monday and have the first chance to stake a claim for senior calls for the Giants' opening Super League X fixture at Leigh Centurions on Saturday, February 12.

As well as Smith, the likes of Paul White, Jon Grayshon and Iain Morrison - who all now have considerable Super League experience - are standing by to face the Calderdale club.

And new Super League squad members Thomas Hemingway and Jason Southwell are also in the frame.

Halifax coach Anthony Farrell has also hinted he will be fielding several first-team players, with Sharp expecting his side to face a strong test.

"The aim on Monday is to give some of the younger players at the club the chance to make an early impression," said Sharp.

"We will be fielding a combination of Super League players and Academy players, and they have the first chance to make a positive impression on me ahead of the new season.

"All those first-team squad men who will play have been told it doesn't mean they have already been ruled out of playing at Leigh in the opening game.

"At this stage I have a very open mind, and it's up to those who face Halifax to make sure they do enough to stay in the frame beyond the match at the Bulls."

Smith, in particular, will be looking to produce a big game.

Last season, the 27-year-old - who was signed from Rochdale after being named in the National League I team of the year for 2003 - made 23 appearances in Super League, with 14 from the start.

And Sharp is hoping the second-rower can add to that tally in 2005.

"Paul was one of our many outstanding successes last season," added the Great Britain assistant coach.

"I didn't expect him to make such a positive impact in his first year with us, not that I'm complaining, of course!

"He took his chance exceptionally well, and it all started when he played in this same pre-season fixture a year ago.

"I'm hoping for him to make a similar impact again and then launch another successful season in Super League."

If White is picked to play, he will be earmarked for a start at hooker.

The 22-year-old, who has made a name for himself at half-back, began last year in the No9 position before suffering a badly broken leg in the pre-season clash against Castleford Tigers.

But Sharp is not about to start pigeon-holing the player now.

"Paul is someone who can fill one of several positions," continued Sharp.

"If it's not at half-back or hooker, it can be on the wing.

"But at this stage I want to see him going in to dummy half as often as possible, using his pace to catch defences on the back foot.

"We all know how exciting a player Paul is, but we also want to see how dangerous a player he can become."