It's officially 26 days until Super League 2018 kicks off with our trip to Hull!
Wearing the number 26 shirt this year is our young back Sam Wood! After making his debut in 2016 against Wigan, Sam featured on the wing, in the halves, and at his preferred centre spot throughout 2017, nabbing 6 tries in 9 games. We caught up with Sam to see how the prep for 2018 is going
Hi Sam. The team's 2 months into preseason now, how have things been going?
Yeah me and a few other lads were in a bit earlier than the senior boys to try get some more miles in the legs, add a bit of weight on and add some size, but yeah I have enjoyed it and am really looking forward to the games coming up. We have a class set of lads here and can't wait for the season to start!
Last year was an inconsistent one for the Giants, what are the club hoping to achieve in 2018?
Just hoping to be more consistent, focus on the little things, stick to our identity as a team and hopefully kick on and go one better and get into that top 4 in 2018.
2017 was a breakout year for you, playing in 9 first team matches averaging 2 tries every 3 games and only making 2 errors all year. What are your personal goals for 2018?
To play more games, to keep kicking on and being the best I can be - when and if I get an opportunity to play.
You moved around a bit last year, playing in the centres, on the wing and even in the halves in our win at Headingley. Do you see yourself developing as more of a utility player or are you focused on the centre spot?
Yeah I did move about a bit to wherever the team needed me to play, but as I get older I will start to focus on 1 or 2 positions - probably the centre and back row - but for the minute where ever I can get game time will be a bonus.
If you had to sum up your expectations for our 2018 season in 3 words, what would you say?
Don't underestimate us