It's 15 days until Super League! Wearing the #15 shirt this year is Jordan Rankin! After signing a short term deal in June last year, Jordan put in some great performances in and was rewarded with a 3 year contract extension. In his 11 games for Huddersfield he got himself a try, 4 conversions and 9 assists, averaging over 100m per game. He made more assists and carries than anyone else in the Super 8s, and we can't wait to see what he can do across a full season, with a full preseason behind him. We caught up with Jordan to hear his thoughts on the upcoming 2018 season
Hi Jordan. The team's 2 months into preseason now, how have things been going?
Preseason has been going good! They boys have turned up everyday and given their all, which is all you can ask for this time of year. It's not a time of year we all love, but it's a great time to improve in the areas of the game that can make you a better player. We are starting to get some combinations together and it's great to see some guys who have been on the injury list for a quite some time get some KMs into their legs and rejoin the full squad in preparations for Hull and the Super League season.
Last year was an inconsistent one for the Giants, what are the club hoping to achieve in 2018?
To be honest we are hoping to be more consistent, I think that's what let us down at the back end of the year when the boys worked so hard to get into the top 8. We need to play for 80 minutes consistently and keep putting pressure on opposition teams. We have been working really hard on that this preseason and it's been a focus for us to more competitive right throughout games and the year in general.
And how about you, after a good debut season which saw you play in 11 matches, averaging over 100m per game and setting up 9 tries, what are your personal goals for 2018?
I really enjoyed my first stint here at the Giants. We have a quality coaching staff and really genuine good bunch of boys here who work hard for each other. For me personally it was about putting my best foot forward and making sure I helped get Huddersfield into the Super 8s. It was good to contribute a fair bit at the back end of the season and I'm definitely looking at having a much bigger impact on this team in the coming year. Goals: well I want to grow more as a playmaker. Guide the team around the park and be a dominant player for this team. Which hopefully in turn, helps take the club into silverware contention.
You started at fullback for all 11 games last year, but moved around a bit throughout the games. Are you looking to pick up a utility role in 2018 or do you have your eye on a certain position?
I did come here to play in the halves, but with Jake Mamo getting injured, it worked in the teams best interest to play at fullback. This year I have set my sights on playing in the halves which is where I see myself long term at the club. I have been working hard with the coaching staff and putting myself in the best position possible to make sure I'm ready to play in the halves this upcoming season.
We'll be opening our season in 2 weeks time at the KCOM stadium, a ground you know fairly well. You played two games there last year as a Giant, the second of which you were voted Man of the Match by our followers. Are you looking forward to opening the 2018 campaign there?
The KCOM holds a very special place for me. It was my home ground for a couple years and I have plenty of fond memories there. Which probably makes the opening game of the year more exciting and important to me coming up against my old club. I love playing against the big teams and playing against the best and Hull have certainly proved that over the last few seasons. I'm really looking forward to that contest as I know the rest of the playing group are as well.