Huddersfield new boy Paul Whatuira can't wait to get started in Super League, a competition he believes is "getting close to the NRL".
Kiwi star hoping to become centre of attention at the Galpharm
Huddersfield new boy Paul Whatuira can't wait to get started in the engage Super League, believing the competition is catching up quickly with the NRL.
The New Zealand international is one of the big-name recruits to the European competition, joining the Giants on a three-year deal.
A Grand Final winner Down Under with both Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers, centre Whatuira has already enjoyed plenty of success in his career.
However, he feels his game can go to new heights in England having decided to make the switch to an "up-and-coming side" in Huddersfield.
Looking forward
"Jon Sharp seems like a coach I can learn a lot from," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the season ahead.
"A lot of quality players are coming over here from Australia and New Zealand and they're developing their game in the UK.
"It's a strong competition and getting close to the NRL. I saw it as an opportunity, Huddersfield were interested in me and it's worked out well.
"I had a couple of options but I saw Huddersfield as an up-and-coming side. They made the Challenge Cup final two years ago and went to the semi-finals of the Super League for the first time last year."
Whatuira, who played for the Kiwis against Great Britain last year, has plenty of familiar faces around him at the Galpharm Stadium.
Former Tigers John Skandalis, Shane Elford and Jamahl Lolesi are all now in Huddersfield, making it easier for the latest overseas recruit to settle in.
Brilliant
"I'm enjoying the English culture and I'm going to have a good time while I'm here," he said. "This weather doesn't faze me - I grew up in windy Wellington.
"Also, having ex-team-mates here made it a lot easier to settle in well. I played with Skando, Spider and Jammer at the Tigers and I also played with Keith Mason back at the Melbourne Storm. Everyone has been brilliant."
The 26-year-old will make his Huddersfield debut against Hull in Paul King's testimonial match at the KC Stadium on Sunday.
With the Giants playing all their pre-season friendlies away from home, Whatuira will have to wait until the visit of reigning Super League champions Leeds on February 10 for his first action at the Galpharm.
