NEW Giants signing Brad Drew has not come to England for an easy ride.

In fact, the 29-year-old hooker admits the tougher the competition, the better.

It's an opinion that sums up the attitude of a player who looks tailor-made for physical Super League battles.

He's small and stocky - there's clearly an incredible amount of super-charged power in his shoulders - and shows the odd scars of Australian NRL conflicts gone by.

But that's just what the Giants need right now to further toughen themselves up for what is bound to be an intense 2005 - which is something Drew realises only too well.

"Players on the verge of the NRL used to be able to come over here, but Super League clubs are getting pickier," he said.

"The competition is no longer a bail-out for players who can't make it over in Australia.

"The game is improving all the time and becoming tougher every year. That's why it has become far more appealing.

"I didn't want to miss the opportuinity of playing over here, so I jumped at the chance when Huddersfield came in for me.

"It's an exciting challenge and a great adventure for me.

"I'm looking forward to playing some good footy after a disappointing couple of seasons when I was made to play at half-back.

"I've always regarded myself as a hooker rather than half-back, which is a position I'm not really fond of.

"That's where I'll be playing for the Giants and that's why I'm so happy to be here."

Drew arrived in the town earlier in the week and has been kept extremely busy.

After a press conference to announce his arrival on Tuesday, he helped launch the new Giants partnership with the University of Huddersfield and the new white alternative shirt.

Then he was at the Christmas lights switch-on in the centre of town on Thursday - not that he's complaining.

"Everything has so far exceeded my expectations," he added.

"I'd found out a lot about the town from the internet but I was expecting it to look and feel a lot older than it is. I've been blown away.

"Everyone is so helpful and welcoming, and it's definitely my cup of tea."