UPBEAT Giants coach Jon Sharp is hoping the early-season form of Michael De Vere is a taste of things to come.

The former Australian Test star has opened the engage Super League XI campaign with rock-solid performances against Leeds and Warrington.

It's just the sort of impact De Vere would have hoped to have made after an injury-hit first season with the Giants in 2005.

The 29-year-old was starting to show some signs of his class midway through the year before he suffered a broken thumb in the narrow home defeat to Bradford Bulls in June.

That kept him sidelined for two more months after he missed the start of the campaign following knee reconstruction.

But with a full pre-season behind him this year and with two top-class performances under his belt in Super League, Sharp believes this could be De Vere's year.

"After the way two big injuries hampered him last year, I know everyone at the club is hoping he can have a big season, because he certainly deserves one," said Sharp.

"He's already made a very positive impact, and hopefully that will continue at Wigan on Friday night.

"I thought Michael had one of his best games for us when we won at Wigan last season, but his best performance of all came against Warrington on Sunday.

"He had a great game that day, both in attack and defence, and also with his goalkicking when he landed a touchline conversion.

"Michael's had it tough since he's been here because of injuries, and I'm sure he's felt the pressure.

"But the way he's responded has been extremely positive and that bodes very well for the future.

"It's another big game for the club at Wigan on Friday, and I'm sure Michael will be looking to rise to the occasion and back-up the excellent performance he put in at the JJB Stadium last season."

De Vere will again be expected to continue in his new role with Paul Reilly, with the players alternating between full-back and wing during games.

So far it's proving a massive success, and there seems no reason why there should be a switch on Friday night.

The Giants will also hope there's a good turn-out of fans as they look to build on Sunday's superb 26-20 triumph over the Wolves.

Tickets for the game are on sale at the Galpharm Stadium, with 10% of all sales going to the Huddersfield club.

They are priced at £13 for adults, with £9 for concessions and £9 for juniors.