Ukuma eager to get started TONGAN STAR TA’AI IS AIMING FOR SILVERWARE WITH THE GIANTS IN 2018

challenge and I’ll enjoy it.

“It was nice to score a try against Wakefield Trinity.

“It was a good start and the boys are in good spirit.

“It’s good to be around them and I’m glad to be back and have a run with them all – they look really, really good.”

Ta’ai was one of six Giants players to feature in the Rugby League World Cup down under, with the Tongans only bowing out at the semi-final stage with a narrow 20-18 defeat by England.

Along with England winger Jermaine McGillvary, Scotland duo Danny Brough and Dale Ferguson, Italy’s Shannon Wakeman and Ireland’s Ollie Roberts, Ta’ai has had a little extra time to rest before returning to training, but he is very pleased to be back at work.

“Pre-season has been good, but tough because I’ve been away with the World Cup and been at home for a few weeks,” said Ta’ai.

“It’s been good to get back into it again. The boys look really healthy and fit for the new season – they are ready for 2018.

“I’ve tried to make sure I’m giving that bit more percentage in everything and try and do everything right.

“I try to get stronger, I’ve tried eating healthy and now I try and stick to that.”

After reaching the top eight in Super League last term Ta’ai is targeting putting some more silverware in the cabinet after being part of the team that won the League Leaders Shield in 2013.

“My own aims are just to try and hopefully win a trophy with the Giants,” said Ta’ai.

“I hope we’re going to make the top four because that must be the aim for everyone and that’s the aim for me.

“I try and do as best as I can personally. I’ve been here for a good few years now and I’m trying to press the team to do well again.” CASTLEFORD captain Michael Shenton says his side face an even bigger challenge to match their glorious season in 2017.

Although the Tigers lost to Leeds in the Betfred Super League Grand Final, their achievement in claiming their first League Leaders’ Shield by 10 clear points illustrated their domination of the competition.

Shenton says their defeat by the Rhinos, a side they had beaten four times in the regular season, still hurts but there are no plans to change Castleford’s adventurous style of play.

“The scars still hurt now,” Shenton said at the official launch of the new season at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium.

“There is a kind of burning motivation within.

“We have approached the new season pretty similar. “