Huddersfield Giants - Super League XV

SUPER

LeagueXV

SPECIAL

Huddersfield GIANTS

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HODGSON No pressure o n me

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

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By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

HAVE you ever wondered which Giants players are the fittest, fastest or strongest?

It’s often been a talking point among fans, helping to spark the healthiest of debates.

But now, thanks to head conditioner Mark ‘Bumper’ Andrews, all can be officially revealed.

The 31-year-old Australian, who arrived with head coach Nathan Brown from St George Dragons where the former Wests Tigers reserve grade hooker was assistant conditioner, believes the Huddersfield squad as a whole is in pretty good shape as they prepare for the start of Super League XV. Yet when it comes to the crunch, he admits one player in particular stands out – hooker Shaun Lunt.

“When you look at this squad train, you see Lunty and you have to wonder if he’s just a genetic freak,” revealed Andrews.

“His fitness levels are incredible, and he seems to look fresher the further the hard work goes. He’d hold his own in any squad, whether that’s here in England or in the Australian NRL, and I know his fitness levels would be a match for any sportsman.

“But while Lunty is the leading light, there are others who are not that far behind in terms of their general fitness.

“Keith Mason, Michael Lawrence, Scott Grix and Luke Robinson are all natural athletes, and their ability to change speed under fatigue is outstanding.

“At the same time, I feel the likes of Kevin Brown and Andy Raleigh also deserve to be mentioned.

They’re not the naturally fittest, but through their hard work and the intensity at which they do things, they’ve come a very long way and are right up there now in terms of their fitness within the group.

“They have to be two of the hardest workers in the squad, and they are reaping the rewards of that.

“When it comes to strength, if it’s in terms of pure weight lifted, then it’s probably between Darrell Griffin,

Larne Patrick and Keith Mason. They’re all exceptionally strong blokes.

“I guess if they were to bench press to their maximum – which is something we never actually do because of the potential danger and the risk of injury – it would be around the 180kg mark. That’s equivalent to lifting more than two men of an average weight.

“On the other hand, the strongest players, pound for pound, would have to be Luke Robinson or the young winger Greg Johnson.

“These two would also be two of the fastest around. Greg can motor over a distance, while Luke’s accleration over a short distance is always eye-catching.

Dave, Vince and the Team Proud supporters of Huddersfield Giants

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Survival of the

FITTEST Who’s the fastest, strongest Giant? We ask guru Bumper

■ WORKING OUT: Martin Aspinwall pumps iron while (top right) Josh Griffin struggles with chin ups as they bid to match the likes of Shaun Lunt and Keith Mason

“But the one bloke who’s really impressed everybody is Dave Hodgson.

“He came off major knee surgery about 18 months ago and it usually takes that time for a player to get back to their best and to adapt to the different things going on in the knee.

“As a result, we’re seeing a far strong and quicker Hodgy, and that’s going to be great to see.

“Finally, just a quick mention as to which player is the best in terms of endurance work, more specifically runs of around 3,000m.

“Because of the nature of our sport, we don’t do much straight-line endurance work, but when we do one player automatically springs to mind – Shaun Lunt!

“As I’ve said, he’s a naturally fit kid and has a very good base.

“But while we bang on about how this fitness is a natural gift, it’s still only right to give him the credit for how hard he still works in every training session and is a good professional.

“And that’s something I can say about every member of this squad. As head conditioner, I believe that makes my job the easiest in England.”

Andrews has now completed his second pre-season in charge of the squad’s fitness programme, and he is 100% confident the Giants will be a fitter side in 2010 than they were a year ago.

“If they’re not fitter, then I think Nathan Brown should send me back to Australia!” he added.

“But I am confident Browny won’t have to get me that plane ticket back home.

“Last year we built a base on the conditioning front and this time around we’ve expanded on it.

“The players have put in more work on their intensity levels and in terms of transition and working on their skills under fatigue, which we do to help replicate a game situation.

“We’re miles ahead on this than we were last year, and hopefully we’ll immediately see the benefits.

“Everyone has worked tremendously hard throughout pre-season and bought into what we’ve been doing.

“This really could play an important part in our success this season.”

Giants can make me even NO-ONE will be prouder when the Giants start Super League XV than chairman Ken Davy.

Having witnessed the highs and lows of life with Huddersfield during his 15 years at the helm, proud Davy admits there was nothing to match the achievements of 2009.

A club record third-placed finish in

Super League and a first Challenge Cup final appearance at Wembley since 1962 made the year extra special.

And the Galpharm chief believes that with the signings that have been made and with all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes, Huddersfield Giants will once again be a major force to be reckoned with.

“After the magnificent achievements of last year, I can’t wait for the new season to begin, and I know that’s shared by our supporters,” he said.

“We are once again looking forward to Rugby League of the highest order in a competition that looks too close to call.

“There’s no doubt whatsoever in my mind that this will be the toughest

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

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Can we do it again?

CAN Huddersfield Giants match the heroics of last season?

That’s the challenge facing head coach Nathan Brown.

At the end of 2009, the 36-year-old could look back on a first season that saw the Giants clinch a club best third-placed Super League finish and a Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

That saw Brown underline his reputation as a top-quality operator, having become the youngest coach in NRL history when he took over at the St George Dragons aged 29 in 2003.

Those 2009 achievements earned Brown the Engage Super League Coach of the Year award, while the Giants were named the Engage Super League Club of the Year and captain Brett Hodgson the Engage Super League Man of Steel.

But Brown admitted that while he would have taken that at the start of the season, he was still not entirely satisfied.

In the Cup final, his side was beaten 25-16 by Warrington Wolves, then went on to lose both their play-off games.

Yet that disappointment is sure to motivate Brown and his Giants.

And with a new look squad and a rock-solid pre-season, the Galpharm chief has every confidence his players can finally experience success.

“Last year was really enjoyable, but now the challenge is to build on that,” he said.

“For those who have been involved in

By CHRIS ROBERTS RL Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

the club for a long time it was good to experience a top-four finish and a Challenge Cup final at Wembley, and for the players who have been around a long time it was great for them, too.

“At the same time, for those newer to the club, like myself, there were a lot of achievements to be proud of.

“Obviously, it was disappointing the way the season finished, but there were still more ups than downs.

“But last year was last year, and the key for us now is to keep on improving. Last year we were good in both competitions and, if we can keep playing as a group and build on our improvements, then we can be at least as good again this year.

“Although there have been a number of disruptions during pre-season, we have prepared well and we feel we’re in better shape than we were this time last year.

“We’ve also made some very good signings, who I know will enhance the quality of the squad.

“Lee Gilmour and David Fa’alogo have both played internationally on a regular basis in the back-row, while Scott Grix and Graeme Horne have made an outstanding impression on everyone. We’ve also got Brad Drew to come into the equation when he comes out of rehabilitation following knee surgery, and he’ll be another big player for us.

“We’ve also got more depth in this squad, and that should prove vaulable.

“One of the problems towards the end of last season was that injuries began to take their toll and we were running out of numbers. It hit us hard.

“That’s something we hope to avoid this year, and we’re confident that’ll be the case.”

But while the Giants will take a great deal of confidence into the new campaign on the back of last year’s achievements, Brown knows that could potentially prove their downfall.

With the rest of Super League now sitting up and taking note of Huddersfield’s threat, Brown knows his rival clubs will not be taking his side for granted.

“I’m sure teams are a bit more wary of where the Giants are and what we’re doing, and that means they’ll all be prepared for us,” added Brown.

“And there are certainly a lot of sides out there who are going to be challenging us.

“Leeds and St Helens are expected to finish top once again, then Wigan have usually challenged them. I suppose Warrington, Hull and Bradford have all recruited heavily and a lot of teams are tipping them, but we are hoping we’ll do really well and shouldn’t be underestimated.

“A lot of people think we probably can’t finish where we did last year, but that can work in our favour and we’re determined to surprise them again!”

prouder still says Davy competition in the history of Super League with many twists and turns along the way.

“But with the squad we’ve assembled and under the charge of head coach Nathan Brown we can continue to make Giant strides.

“In new signings Lee Gilmour,

David Fa’alogo, Brad Drew, Kyle Wood, Scott Grix, and Graeme Horne we have made some quality additions and I know they will soon become popular figures in the famous claret and gold.

“This year we have our largest squad of full-time professionals, with many younger players

pushing hard for starting spots, which can only bode well for our future.

“Last year was absolutely fantastic and, with the continued support of our magnificent fans, we are all sure we can make 2010 even more successful. These are very exciting times.”

Squad in better shape this season says Nathan

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

BACK FROM ‘Support of fans made a world of difference’ PAUL WHATUIRA has expressed his thanks for all the support he has received to help him get through such a difficult time in his life.

As details began to emerge of the bizarre events surrounding his admission to a secure mental health unit in Bradford, the rugby league public rallied round to offer their support to one of the Giants’ most popular and likeable players.

And Whatuira has admitted that support played a key part in his recovery.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I had that much support out there,” he said.

“My teammates and coaching staff have obviously been right behind me, which has been a tremendous help, but the fans have also been incredible.

“I received lots of well-wishes in cards from them as well as other messages of support, and for that I can’t thank them enough.

“It really has been a massive help, not just for me, but also for my fiance Vanessa.

“It must have been really tough for her while I’ve been ill, particularly as she’s pregnant.

“But she has been my rock.

Fortunately she is one tough lady and, even though she has been through so much, she has always been so supportive.”

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

THE BRINK

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Fit-again Fatz puts nightmare behind him ■ SETTLED: Paul and his partner Vanessa Almond with their daughter PW280110Afatz-03.jpg Gabrielle

WHEN Paul Whatuira powered over the line for a classic centre’s try in last week’s pre-season win at Castleford Tigers it was the moment everyone knew the New Zealander was really on the way back from illness.

Just a few months earlier, the 28-year-old’s life hung by a thread.

In the early hours of October 13, the highly-popular Huddersfield player, who had been capped 16 times by New Zealand, was taken to a secure mental health unit after unprovoked attacks on two men.

It came as a massive shock to everyone who knew the highly likeable Whatuira.

However, it soon became clear that one of the Giants’ favourite sons – who is affectionately known as ‘Fatz’ – was very seriously ill.

The fact the police issued a statement three weeks later saying: “The Crown Prosecution Service has advised us not to take any further action” didn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

But at that stage, it was Whatuira’s health rather than any potential legal implications that were of the most concern.

Fortunately, as the days and weeks went by, Whatuira’s health began to improve, so much so that he was able to report back for pre-season training in mid-November.

Although his fitness wasn’t as good as he would have wished – which was pretty obvious given the circumstances – the former Wests Tigers star in the Australian NRL was quickly getting into his stride.

By Christmas, he was back to his old self

By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

and, early in the New Year, his fiance Vanessa gave birth to their first child, daughter Gabrielle Kaea Whatuira.

It then emerged his high-profile breakdown was sparked by memories of abuse he suffered as a child, and it was that which pushed him to the brink of suicide.

That admission has brought full closure for Whatuira, who is now looking positively to the future, both in his private life and in his rugby league career.

“I now feel I’ve come through it all and can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he revealed.

“Where I was a few months ago wasn’t a good place to be.

“I was sick, I was very ill. As I said, it wasn’t a good time in my life, but I believe I’m now back on my feet and things are starting to look good again.

“It was great to be given the all-clear to carry on with my career just before Christmas, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the pre-season training and I’m now hoping for a big season this year.

“It has obviously got off to a wonderful start with the birth of my daughter. We’re all over the moon about that, and I feel fit and healthy as the season approaches, which is something that was reflected in the way we played at Castleford last week.”

Whatuira was well aware there would be a fair amount of attention focused on him that night because of what had happened in the previous few months.

But he emerged unscathed and that has added to his sense of excitement ahead of the big kick-off.

“I was a bit nervous before I went on,” added Whatuira, who came on as a substitute against the Tigers.

“But you’re always a bit nervous going into the first game anyway, because it’s the first time you’ve had the chance to test yourself out.

“Fortunately, it went well and it showed I’ve fully recovered from what happened last year. Getting the try was obviously a fantastic feeling.

“It’s now just a case of getting amongst it on the field and playing my part for the team. I’m determined to work hard to help bring even more success to the club, which I believe we can.

“Last season was great, and it’s going to take something special to reach the Challenge Cup final again and finish third in Super League, but that’s what we’ve got to strive to do.

“And with the signings we’ve made, we’ll certainly put ourselves in a strong position.

“All the new players have fitted in well and are making positive contributions, and it’s great to be joined by another New Zealand international in David Fa’alogo.

“He’s a big lad and is a fairly intimidating player, which is probably something we need. He’ll offer us a lot.”

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

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After the game ... time to get really competitive RUGBY League players are a competitive bunch – whatever the pursuit.

Giving less than 100% isn’t an option and it’s no different during their spare time.

For many Giants, X-box 360 and Playstations help fill in the off-field hours.

Giants stand-off Kevin Brown said: “When you’ve had a

hard day’s training and your body’s aching, the last thing you want to do is be involved in something else that’s physical.

“But with being such a competitive bunch, we’re still keen to compete and there’s no better way of doing that than by going on-line.”

So what are the in favour games?

“Right now, there’s a bit of a FIFA10 Club going,” added the former Wigan back.

“But there are a couple of boys dominating, which has taken some of the gloss off it.

“Jermaine McGillvary, in particular, is right up there. I don’t think he can stop!

“I’m still a

big fan of Call of Duty. I obviously love the game, but I also enjoy it because it’s the chance to catch up with some of our old teammates.

“Chris Thorman, Stuart Jones, Steve Snitch and Paul Smith still go online.

“It really is a good way of keeping in touch, and it’s even better if you can beat them!”

BROWN OUT but not

By CHRIS ROBERTS Sports Reporter

chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

THERE’S a widely-held belief in sport that the ability of some players isn’t appreciated until they’re missing.

So step forward Kevin Brown!

Huddersfield’s 25-year-old former Wigan half-back has been a regular for the past two-and-a-half seasons, becoming one of the club’s most consistent performers.

His finest day was probably last season’s Challenge Cup semi-final triumph over St Helens.

Unfortunately, Brown’s next Challenge Cup memory couldn’t have been in starker contrast as he suffered knee ligament damage in the first half of the Wembley final against Warrington Wolves.

It ended his season and also signalled a downturn in the Giants’ form in the final weeks of season. Without Brown pulling the half-back strings, the side suffered.

Not that was any consolation to Brown. But it made him determined to return to action stronger than ever.

Kev: Wembley agony’s behind me

“What happened at Wembley is something I’m going to have to live with throughout my career. I felt as if all my dreams were shattered that day,” reflected Brown.

“But the key is not to dwell on that and start to look forward, because I know the future does look very bright, both for me and for the Giants.

“When I first did the injury I just didn’t know how bad it was. I’d never suffered anything like it before.

“Fortunately, when I had the scans, the damage wasn’t anywhere near as bad as it could have been. As a result, I was able to start running after a relatively short time and when pre-season training started in November I felt fully fit.

“And I’ve continued to work hard ever since, and I believe it’s paid off.

“That was firmly put to the test in the pre-season game at Castleford Tigers

last week when I felt no twinges in my knee whatsoever.

“I always felt that would be the case, because since Christmas I’ve been doing all the tackling, wrestling and fitness sessions that the rest of the boys have been doing, so I knew the knee would survive, which it did.

“So now it’s a case of getting back onto the field for a competitive game for the first time in what has been a very long – and very tough – five months.

“When you’re receiving treatment you spend a fair amount of time from the rest of the boys, which can be tough.

Then there were the games to have to sit through.

“I’ve never been a good watcher at the best of times, but having to sit through our final games of the season was really tough to take.

“To be honest, the way we struggled in the play-off games was harder to

take than the injury itself. I know how desperate the boys were to make a big impact in the play-offs, but it just didn’t happen, and it definitely took some of the gloss of our season.

“But, at the same time, I know how hungry that’s made everyone ahead of next season.

“Having failed to win a play-off game this year, we’re all determined to change all that in 2010, and with the quality of signings we’ve made we all know that’s something we can do.

“And after not being there for the boys at the end of last season, I’m determined to make up for it this season.”

■ FIT AS EVER: Kevin Brown has looked sharp in pre season

10 PAIRS OF GIANTS TICKETS TO BE WON Giants V Warrington, Sunday 28th February 2010, 3pm To celebrate the start of the new rugby season, the Examiner have teamed up with the Huddersfield Giants. We’re offering 10 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to

the Giants next home match against Warrington at the Galpharm Stadium.Follow the Huddersfield Giants’ season in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner and online at www.examiner.co.uk

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

7

Happy Gilmour

Move to Galpharm is home from home for big Lee

■ FAREWELL: Gilmour and Sean Long’s last game at Knowsley Road, typically a win against Wigan

‘This is a club set for success’

LEE GILMOUR has been a winner throughout his career.

LEE GILMOUR believes the move ‘home’ has helped freshen him up for the season ahead.

The 31-year-old former Great Britain back-row forward joined the Giants on a two-year-deal at the end of the season to bring the curtain down on a glittering career at St Helens.

Gilmour admits it was a real wrench to leave the club where he had achieved so many honours during a glorious six-year spell.

But having completed his first pre-season with the Giants, the proud Yorkshireman knows he’s made the right choice – both on and off the field.

With Gilmour living in Hanging Heaton – located between Dewsbury and Batley – the Galpharm is on his doorstep, which has enabled him to spend far more time with his family.

As a result, he feels a happier and healthier man.

“When it became clear there would be no new deal at Saints, I obviously started looking around for a new club,” he said.

“And it didn’t take long before I knew Huddersfield was the only place I wanted to be. Everything about it just seemed so right, both on

By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

and off the field.

“Obviously, the way the side is competing at the moment was a big consideration. Finishing third in Super League and reaching the Challenge Cup speaks for itself.

“But there’s far more to coming here than that.

“I do feel this move is a bit like coming ‘home’, because this is the club that’s so close to where I live.

“It was a bit of a drag having to drive over to St Helens almost every day. To get to training for 10.00am , I had to set off at 7.30, then drive home, quite often on the back of a really tough session.

“But now it takes me about 15 minutes to get to training and then the same time to get back home at the end of the day.

“As a result, I do feel a lot fresher, and in better shape, too.

“Spending around three hours a day in the car getting to St Helens and back didn’t exactly help too much in terms of muscle tightness and doing your back much good.

“But now I can spend that sort of time recuperating and seeing the physio to get rid of any niggles I might have. I find that fantastic.”

But Gilmour also feels spending more time with his family is doing him a power of good.

“My daughter, Ella, is just one and travelling to St Helens meant I wasn’t able to see her as much as I would have liked,” he added.

“Moving to Huddersfield has changed all that. I’m now spending far more time with her and seeing her grow up, which has made me feel a great deal happier.

“It also means I can see the rest of the family, as well, which is something that’s very important.

“As much as we all love our rugby, it is good to turn your attentions to others things once in a while, and seeing more of the family is a way of doing that.

“But, having said all that, the rest of the family are all rugby league mad, and many of the conversations are obviously about the game – and now the Giants.

“Although we all live so close to Huddersfield, the family haven’t really followed the Giants in the

past. They support the team I’m playing for, it’s as simple as that.

“But now it’ll be Huddersfield Giants all the way, which I suppose will please my dad, Roger, in particular.

“He works in Bradley and a couple of his friends there are big Giants fans, so they’ll now have something more in common. They certainly shouldn’t be falling out about the rugby league any more!”

Before finally putting pen to paper, Gilmour also spoke to his neighbour and former Saints teammate Keith Mason, and he admits they’ve become closer friends because of the move.

“I’ve known Keith for a while and I know how much he loves it at the club. That was another factor in deciding the move to the Giants was the right one for me,” he continued.

“We’ve both grown up around the Dewsbury area and still live there, which means we’ve been able to share lifts to training.

“That should have meant sharing the petrol bills, but I don’t think it’s something that’s come naturally to Keith, and probably never will!”

During 13 years at the top , the 31-year-old former Wigan, Bradford and St Helens back-row forward has tasted Super League Grand Final success and picked up four Challenge Cup winners’ medals, and played 15 times for Great Britain.

Such a strong pedigree made the 6ft 2in, 15st 8lb forward one of the game’s hottest properties when Super League clubs were alerted to his availability last summer, despite the fact St Helens coach Mick Potter ended the season naming him his ‘Player of the Year’.

The Giants stepped in to bring a winning mentality to the club, but Gilmour doesn’t feel that puts him under any extra pressure.

“I’m obviously aware one of the reasons Huddersfield signed me was because I’ve been associated with successful sides and I can hopefully bring a winning mentality with me,” said Gilmour, who began his Super League career with Wigan in 1997.

“But I don’t see that as putting extra pressure on me.

“I’m just one player in a big and very talented squad. My aim is to do my bit for the club, and our success will depend on everyone pulling together rather than what we do as individuals.

“Obviously, if my influence can help – whether that’s during a game or at training – it would be a bonus.

“But our success will come through the talent we’ve got throughout the squad, and I genuinely see no reason at all why this group can’t bring some silverware to Huddersfield.

“When I first agreed to join the Giants last summer, I felt I would be joining a club that was capable of winning things, and that’s a belief that’s been reinforced since I arrived here for the start of pre-season training.

“I find all this very exciting.

“The clubs I’ve played for in the past (Wigan, Bradford and St Helens) were all very well established when I joined them.

They were already winning silverware, but now I’m joining a club that’s on the rise, and looks to be on the verge of really breaking into the big time.

“Having now had a full pre-season with the Giants, I’ve seen nothing at all to change that view, and to play a part in trying to make that happen is very exciting.”

8

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

Huddersfield

â– HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS 2010: Back row, from left (squad number in brackets): Kyle Wood (26), Gregg McNally (28), Alex Brown (29), Elliot Hodgson (31), Larne Patrick (23), Martin Aspi number). Middle: Paul Cook (Reserve Team coach), Mark Andrews (head conditioner), Paul Anderson (assistant coach), Keith Mason (10), Stephen Wild (13), Leroy Cudjoe (2), Andy Raleigh Manager), Nathan Mill (Physio), Barry Wilkinson (kitman). Front: Brad Drew (18), Jamahl Lolesi (3), Shaun Lunt (9), David Hodgson (5), Brett Hodgson (1), Nathan Brown (head coach), Luke R

Fixtures 2010 FEBRUARY Fri 5 Bradford Bulls (H) 8.00pm Fri 12 Hull FC (A) 8.00pm Sun 21 Hull KR (A) 3.00pm Sun 28 Warrington (H) 3.00pm

MARCH Sat 6 Wakefield (A) 6.00pm Sun 14 Leeds (H) 3.00pm Sat 20 Harlequins (A) 6.00pm Sun 28 St Helens (H) 3.00pm

APRIL Fri 2nd Catalans (H) 7.00pm Mon 5 Salford (A) 3.00pm Fri 9 Castleford (H) 8.00pm 17-18 Carnegie Challenge Cup 4 Round Sat 24 Crusaders (A) 6.00pm

MAY 2 Wigan, Magic weekend 8-9 Carnegie Challenge Cup 5 Round Sun 16 Wigan (H) 3.00pm Sun 23 Warrington (A) 3.00pm 29-30 Challenge Cup Q-F

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

GIANTS

inwall (22), Adam Walker (30), Danny Kirmond (17), Josh Griffin (24), Jacob Fairbank (32), Jamie Cording (no number), Jermaine McGillvary (27), Keal Carlile (25), Greg Johnson (no (15), Eorl Crabtree (8), Darrell Griffin (16), Michael Lawrence (19), Lee Gilmour (11), David Fa’alogo (12), Graeme Horne (33), Greg Brown (conditioner), Pete Riding (Player Performance Robinson (7), Kevin Brown (6), Paul Whatuira (4), David Faiumu (20), Scott Grix (21)

JUNE Sun 6 Bradford (A) 3.00pm Fri 11 St Helens (A) 8.00pm Sun 20 Hull FC (H) 3.00pm Sun 27 Hull KR (H) 3.00pm

JULY Sun 4 Castleford (A) 3.30pm Sun 11 Crusaders (H) 3.00pm Fri 16 Leeds (A) 8.00pm Sun 25 Harlequins (H) 3.00pm

AUGUST SEPTEMBER Sun 1 Wakefield (H) 3.00pm Sat 4 Catalans (A) TBC 7-8 Carnegie Challenge Cup Semi-Final Fri 13 Wigan (A) 8.00pm Sun 22 Salford (H) 3.00pm Sat 28 Challenge Cup Final

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk

AS the new Man of Steel, Brett Hodgson can expect to be singled out for some extra ‘attention’ from the opposition in Super League XV. But will this worry the inspirational Giants’ captain?

You must be joking!

Instead, it will be just the motivation the 31-year-old Australian needs to lead the club to what he hopes will be an even more successful year.

Huddersfield’s goalkicking full-back knows that won’t be easy after guiding his side to last season’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley, where they were beaten by Warrington, and a club record third-placed Super League finish.

But Hodgson is determined to do everything he can to make sure 2010 is even better, and he is relishing the opportunity to lead the Giants into battle as the Engage Super League Man of Steel.

“Everyone knows how much of an honour it was for me to win the award.

It’s the pinnacle of my career as an individual,” said Hodgson, who has in the past been named the best full-back in the Australian NRL and won a Grand Final Down Under with Wests Tigers.

“I was absolutely delighted to have made it into the Super League Dream (as the full-back), so to win the Man of Steel was truly amazing, particularly as it’s an award voted on by your fellow professionals.

“Since winning the award I have been asked a number of times if I feel it’s put added pressure on me to perform.

“But I don’t see it that way.

“I’ve always had a lot of pride in my own ability. I make sure I play every game the best I can, as much for the club as for myself, so the pressure comes from within, regardless of what happens on the outside.

"It wouldn’t matter whether I was the Man of Steel or not, I want to make sure this season is the best I’ve had, and with the players around me I believe that can be the case.

“As I said as soon as I picked up the award, there’s no way I would have done it if it hadn’t been for the work of my teammates around me.

They deserved so much of the credit for me winning this.

“And I also don’t think it’s a case of me being more of a ‘marked man’ in Super League because I’m now the Man of Steel.

“Once again, I know my teammates around me will make sure nothing changes this season because I can rely on them all to do their jobs superbly well.

“That was the key for us last year, and will be the key for us this.”

Hodgon’s optimism is based on a second pre-season under head coach Nathan Brown and some close-season recruitment that includes St Helens second rower Lee Gilmour and New Zealand international forward David Fa’alogo.

“The depth in the squad has definitely improved,” he said. “The signings the

‘NO EXTRA PRESSURE ON ME’ says 2009 Man of Steel BRETT HODGSON

■ OFF AND RUNNING: Man of Steel Hodgson has started this season in similar high quality form

club have made are top quality.

“Lee Gilmour has plenty of experience of picking up silverware and he brings a quality to our squad which hasn’t been there while David Fa’alogo is just a superb athlete who’s going to be strong for us with and without the ball.

“Across the board we’re a lot stronger. We look at where we were this time last year and having a year-and-a-half under a

different coaching regime has definitely held a lot of the players in good stead.

“There is no doubt we were disappointed towards the end of last season when we let ourselves down in key areas.

“If we’re good enough to get to that stage of the competition again I guess we’ll address certain issues.”

Hodgson will be 32 a week into the new season but at this stage he hasn’t ruled out extending his stay beyond the two-year contract that expires in November.

“It’s always in the back of my mind,” he said. “I still feel I’ve plenty to offer in the competition.

“Last year was one of my most enjoyable seasons for a long, long time. I had a lot of fun and, when you’re having fun on the field, it tends to lead to more better quality football.

“My family and myself are having a real ball here.”

■ TRIPLE WINNER: Ellery Hanley

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

Men of Steel 1977 Hooker David Ward (Leeds).

1978 Prop George Nicholls (St Helens).

1979 L-forward Doug Laughton (Widnes).

1980 F-back George Fairbairn (Wigan).

1981 Scrum-half Ken Kelly (Warrington).

1982 2nd-rower Mick Morgan (Carlisle).

1983 S-half Allan Agar (Featherstone).

1984 Full-back Joe Lydon (Wi dnes).

1985 L-forward Ellery Hanley (Bradford N).

1986 Prop Gavin Miller (Hull KR).

1987 L-forward Ellery Hanley (Wigan).

1988 Winger Martin Offiah (Widnes).

1989 L-forward Ellery Hanley (Wigan).

1990 Stand-off Shaun Edwards (Wigan).

1991 Stand-off Garry Schofield (Leeds).

1992 Centre Dean Bell (Wigan).

1993 Prop Andy Platt (Wigan).

1994 Centre Jonathan Davies (Warrington).

1995 Second-rower Denis Betts (Wigan).

1996 L-forward Andrew Farrell (Wigan).

1997 Hooker James Lowes (Bradford).

1998 Stand-off Iestyn Harris (Leeds).

1999 L-forward Adrian Vowles (Castleford).

2000 Scrum-half Sean Long (St Helens).

2001 S-off Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens).

2002 L-forward Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens).

2003 2nd-rower Jamie Peacock (Bradford).

2004 L-forward Andrew Farrell (Wigan).

2005 Centre Jamie Lyon (St Helens).

2006 Full-back Paul Wellens (St Helens).

2007 Hooker James Roby (St Helens).

2008 Prop James Graham (St Helens).

2009 Full-back Brett Hodgson (Huddersfield Giants).

A NEW year and a new Super League season.

But some of the same old familiar faces keep on returning to the Galpharm Stadium.

Throughout Super League, Huddersfield Giants ‘old boys’ are continuing to ply their trade, whether it’s from the comfort of the stands as a coach or out on the competitive field.

And once again many will be planning a Huddersfield re-union in Super League XV, kicking-off with Bradford Bulls in round one.

For starters, head coach Steve McNamara needs little introduction to Giants fans.

McNamara led Huddersfield back into Super League in 2002 as the captain of the Giants side that defeated Leigh Centurions 38-16 in the NFP Grand Final at Widnes.

The goaklcking loose-forward retired as a player – at the Giants – at the end of the 2003 before joining the coaching staff at the Bulls.

McNamara became head coach midway through 2006 and his assistant coach is another former Huddersfield favourite, Lee St Hilaire.

The Huddersfield-born hooker spent most of his playing career with his hometown club and was a former No2 to ex-Giants head coach Jon Sharp before following directly in McNamara’s foosteps to Odsal.

And these two are in charge of a Bulls squad bursting with players who have tasted life at the Galpharm.

Leading the way is centre Chris Nero – a member of the Giants side beaten by St Helens in the 2006 Challenge Cup final at Twickenham – while also on Bradford’s books are former Giants Academy winger Rikki Sheriffe and prop Danny Sculthorpe, who spent the second half on loan at the Galpharm from Wakefield, as well as ex-Newsome Panthers Junior and star Giants Scholarship pupil Jason Crookes.

There are even more Huddersfield ‘old boys’ over at Castleford Tigers, where a very formidable pack could be formed.

Prop Paul Jackson, hooker and captain Ryan Hudson , right, and back-row forwards Stuart Jones, Steve Snitch and Ryan Clayton will all be key players for the Tigers in 2010, along with popular ex-Huddersfield centre James Evans.

Next up, alphabetically on the Super League club list, are Catalans Dragons.

Like with virtually all other top-flight clubs, none of their playing staff have sampled the delights of the West Yorkshire town, but it’s no big secret that former Giants chief Jon Sharp tried to sign the French club’s star men, Clint Greenshields and Adam Mogg, before the Australian duo opted for a life in the South of France instead.

And talking of Sharp, he’s now reunited with head coach Brian Noble at new Welsh Super League club Crusaders.

While at the Giants, Sharp was, of course, the No2 to Noble in the Great Britain set-up, and they are now playing the same roles in Wrexham after Sharp left his job as Hull FC football manager at the end of last season.

Another old Giants assistant coach also pops up at Harlequins in the considerable shape of ex-Great Britain prop Brian McDermott.

He cut his coaching teeth under Tony Smith at Huddersfield in 2003, and then followed his boss to Leeds a year later before taking charge of the London-based club in 2006.

And under his command this season will be another front-rower, Oliver Wilkes, who played Super League in the claret and gold in 2001.

With the departure of former Giants captain Chris Thorman to Co-operative club York City Knights at the end of last season, there are no longer any player links with Hull FC. But there will still be considerable interest in the meeting of the two clubs when new Giants signing Graeme Horne – who spent 10 years with the black and whites – will line up against brother Richard for the very first time.

It’s also a similar picture across the city, where an ex-Giants contingent is no more.

Last season, Stanley Gene and Nick Fozzard were bobbing along with the Robins, but with the duo moving on to Halifax and St Helens respectively, New Craven Park is barren territory.

That can also be said of Headingley, the home of champions Leeds Rhinos.

Having said that, Keith Senior , pictured, is no stranger to the town – after all it’s where he was born and raised – and he’s still the coach at top

A Giant theme to almost every squad Huddersfield amateur team St Joseph’s, while major big New Zealand signing Greg Eastwood’s dad, Dale, hails from Meltham.

As mentioned before, highly-popular prop Nick Fozzard, who was in the Giants side that beat Hull 18-0 in the Divisional Premiership final at Old Trafford in 1997 to help secure the club’s promotion to Super League for the first time, is now back at St Helens following his move from Hull KR. And he will, of course, be joined in the pack at Knowlsey Road by hooker Scott Moore after his season-long loan at Huddersfield where he played in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and was named in the Super League Dream Team.

It’s now a completely blank canvas at Salford after Robbie Paul left the Willows for Leigh at the end of last season, but there remains a healthy link at Wakefield, led off by head coach John Kear.

He was, of course, the man who took charge at Huddersfield in the wake of the ill-fated merger with Sheffield Eagles in 2000, a job that would have got the better of many a coach at the time.

Since then, however, he has enjoyed Challenge Cup success with Hull and former Wakefield into a strong, no-nonsense side who this season will include in their ranks a trio of ex-Giants in centre Sean Gleeson, winger Luke George – who has shot to fame at Trinity after starring in Huddersfield’s Academy team – and prop Michael Korkidas, who spent the first half of last season at the Galpharm before returning to his first English club.

At Warrington Wolves, their head coach is someone else who needs little introduction.

Tony Smith obviously shot to fame during his three years at the Huddersfield coaching helm, where he finally helped to establish the Giants as a creditable Super League force.

He then went on to savour Grand Final success with Leeds before taking over as the national coach.

But Smith missed the day-to-day life as a club coach and accepted the challenge to try and get stuttering Warrington back on track.

This he has done in spectacular fashion, culminating in the Wolves’ Challenge Cup final victory over the Giants at Wembley last August when, by his side, was assistant coach Richard Marshall, who had been a prop forward under Smith at Huddersfield in 2001.

Last but by no means least it’s Wigan, where Phil Veivers – who like Fozzard was in the triumphant Giants’ Old Trafford team of 1997 – is the assistant coach.

For a while in 1998 he had temporary full charge of Huddersfield’s Super League squad following the departure of Garry Schofield, and he has since gone on to be the No2 at both Bradford and now Wigan.

In fact, his son Josh is now in the senior Warriors squad, along with former Giants centre Martin Gleeson and second-rower Lee Mossop, who had a successful loan spell with Huddersfield halfway through last season.

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

Eorl’s kingdom Huddersfield’s favourite son has been there through thick and thin. Now he wants silverware

EORL CRABTREE will start Super League XV with the rugby league world at his feet.

At 6ft 7ins, the Giants prop is able to look down on all of his rivals. As the tallest man in Super League that goes without saying.

Yet even though the 27-year-old’s stature within the game is so great, he’s still not scaled all of the sport’s lofty heights.

Admittedly, he has now fulfilled his dream of playing for England in a full Test against the might of Australia and New Zealand.

He’s also played for the Giants in Challenge Cup finals at Wembley and Twickenham, as well as being a massive influence in helping his hometown club secure a highest Super League finish of third last season.

But, unfortunately, the Crabtree trophy cabinet remains an underused item of furniture.

Apart from a NFP Grand Final winners medal and Buddies Cup final winners medal dating back to 2002 – and now the cherished England caps from last autumn’s Four Nations tournament, of course! – the cupboard is bare.

It’s something that doesn’t sit comfortably with the former Huddersfield YMCA and Underbank Rangers junior.

But he is determined to do everything within his power to change all that and finally bring a major piece of silverware back to Huddersfield – particularly as it’s his testimonial season to mark 10 years with his hometown club.

“It’s amazing how far this club has advanced in the time I’ve been here,” reflected Crabtree.

“When I first signed for the club we were stuck at the foot of the Super League table and then ended up being relegated. It wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped!

True to his his roots

“But going down seemed to be the best thing that could have happened to the club.

“We were promoted in our first season (2002), and since then we’ve just got stronger and stronger, and we’re now very firmly established in Super League.

“We’re now reaching major finals and regularly challenging for a place in the play-offs, while our profile is also rising all the time.

“Not too long ago, none of us

EORL CRABTREE has made it clear his flowing locks are ‘hair’ to stay!

The 27-year-old prop’s unique appearance makes him an unmistakable figure but, as the England forward discovered last season, the sight of a ponytail can prove irresistible to defenders.

During last season’s clash with the Bulls

(the Giants players) would have been recognised around town, but now we’re being stopped all the time for autographs and pictures and, personally, I absolutely love it.

“But the one thing that we still haven’t done is brought some silverware back to the town, which is something I don’t want to carry on for much longer.

“I suppose it would be nice to win something this year because it’s my testimonial year. But, to be honest, it would be nice to win something full stop!

“A win for a club like this is long overdue.”

Crabtree admits he

at the Galpharm Stadium in August, Bradford winger Semi Tadulala committed the ‘crime’ of tugging on big Eorl’s luxuriant locks. the Bull won 28-18 but Tadulala was fined for ‘conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.’

But did the incident make Crabtree

can’t wait for the new season to get under way, given his performances for England during the Four Nations.

He proved a real handful for the Australians and Kiwis, and feels that’s added to his confidence ahead of the big kick-off.

“Getting the chance to test myself out against Australia and New Zealand is something I’ve being trying to do for quite a long time and I’ve finally had the chance,” he added.

“Fortunately, I was more than happy with the way I played and that’s definitely given me a lot of confidence going into the new season.

“I intend to use the experience I’ve learned from playing against the Kiwis and Australians to help me keep progressing, and hopefully the team progressing as well.

“At the end of the year, there’s the Four Nations in Australia, and I’d love to be on the plane for that.

“But first of all I’ve got to make sure I put the performances in for Huddersfield and play at my top level the best I can.

“To be honest, I think there will be a few Huddersfield lads knocking on the door for England selection at the end of the year, and it would be great if there were a few of us making the trip.

“But, as I said, the priority is trying to build on what was a fantastic last season and finally go and win something.

“We all know it’s going to be another tough season, but we’ve prepared really well. We’re trying to aspire to be the best club in Super League and to do that we’ve got to keep working hard and keep getting better and better”.

consider changing his style.

“You must be joking!” he said. “This is my trademark and it’s here to stay. I like the style, and I’ve had it for a number of years now.

“Yes, I do run the risk of my hair being pulled, but that doesn’t happen as often as you might think, because players get penalised for doing it.”

■ SHORN: Eorl at 17

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

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■ FRIEND TO STAR: Prop Keith Mason

Mason taking the Mickey ... to Galpharm

■ NEW BOYS: Giants signings line up (from left) Kyle Wood, David Fa'alogo, Brad Drew, (PW270110Aphotocall-03) Lee Gilmour, Graeme Horne and Scott Grix

Guitar man Grix set to pull strings NEW recruit Scott Grix is champing at the bit for a place in the Giants starting line-up against Bradford tonight and that could be music to coach Nathan Brown’s ears – in more ways than one!

By DAVID LOCKWOOD Sports Reporter david.lockwood@examiner.co.uk

time), while I also knew Luke For the 26-year-old ‘play anywhere’ close-season Robinson (the two are close neighbours signing from Wakefield is obviously no mug when in Sowerby Bridge). he has either a rugby ball or a guitar in his hands.

“And then of course, I played international “I just took my guitar up to Newcastle with me for rugby with Simon Finnigan, when we both our pre-season training session the played for Ireland in the 2008 other week, so we could perhaps have World Cup, and although I’ve a bit of a sing-song on the way back,” moved to a few clubs before so said Grix. it’s not a new thing for me, it is “Someone suggested I could take it to easier fitting in when you already away matches, and if we win we can know a few players, and it’s not quite Player DOB have a singalong on the coach coming so scary on your first day of training Steve Menzies 04/05/74 home.” when there are a few familiar faces (Bradford) At the moment, however, Grix is around.

Brad Drew 25/08/75 more interested in making people (Giants) “Bradford Bulls represent a tough Jason Demetriou 13/01/76 start for us, but then all the teams dance to his tune on the field and is (Wakefield) keen for a place in the squad for Willie Talau 25/01/76 have strengthened and anyone would tonight’s big League opener. be a tough start.

(Salford) “The pre-season game at Castleford Keith Senior 24/04/76 “They are all blowing their own was good. I thought we’d be a bit (Bradford) trumpets at the moment, saying: rusty in our first game, but we were a ‘we’re fitter, quicker, stronger, etc,’ but bit better than rusty to be honest.

I think if we put our own house in “With pre-season training going on a order then we should be all right.” little bit longer because of the weather it was just Grix’s undoubted versatility is a real bonus for head nice to get a game under our belts, and now coach Brown, as he impressed in a variety of roles everyone is absolutely raring for a spot in the last season at Wakefield where he made 23 starts starting line-up. and scored nine tries.

“I feel to have fitted in well here and I did know one He is equally at home playing at half-back, full-back or two of the lads when I came. or as hooker. And against Castleford Brown played ”Obviously I knew Drew well (Brad Drew, who also him in the back row of the pack, which is another returned to the Giants from Wakefield at the same berth he is more than capable of filling.

Oldest players

KEITH MASON hopes to bring Hollywoood star Mickey Rourke to the Galpharm clash with Leeds Rhinos.

Huddersfield take on the champions on Sunday, March 17 and prop Mason is confident his buddy will pull out all the stops and call in.

Their friendship began on the night of the Giants’ Challenge Cup final defeat when Mason and Scott Moore were introduced to the 57-year-old Rourke at Stringfellow’s.

A second meeting a few days later saw the star-struck duo miss training and pick up two-match bans.

But the friendship has continued.

Mason said: “I’m friends with a famous Hollywood actor ... not a lot of Super League players can say that!

“I visited him in New York and we exchange text messages.

“He’s followed the game since he’d seen his close friend Richard Harris star in the rugby league film This Sporting Life in the 1960s.”

Rourke is said to be keen to do a re-make of This Sporting Life if he can get the rights to it.

8 Rourke RL blockbusters 1: Sin(field) City 2: Melbourne Stormbreaker 3: Barfly-half 4: Angel Hurt 5: Nine and a half-back Weeks 6: Rogue (Wigan) Warrior 7: Man-ly on Fire 8: Les Davidson and the Marlboro Man

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Huddersfield Giants Super League special

By IAN LAYBOURN Sports Correspondent BRADFORD BULLS

Coach: Steve McNamara (since April 2006).

Captain: to be announced.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 3rd, 1st (champions), 5th, 1st (runners-up), 3rd, 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd (champions), 4th, 3rd, 5th, 9th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - Semi Tadulala 13; goals - Paul Deacon 86; points - Paul Deacon 187.

Biggest Super League win: 96-16 (v Salford, 2000).

Biggest Super League defeat: 66-4 (v St Helens, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Odsal, 26,019.

2009 average attendance: 9,677 (down 610).

Record Super League attendance: 24,020 (v Leeds 1999).

In: Danny Sculthorpe (Wakefield via Huddersfield) pictured, Brett Kearney (Cronulla), Matt Orford, Glenn Hall, Heath L’Estrange (all Manly), Stuart Reardon (ex-Warrington).

Out: Sam Burgess (South Sydney), Terry Newton, Glenn Morrison, Ben Jeffries (all Wakefield), Matt Cook (Hull KR), David Solomona (Warrington), Matt James (Harlequins), Semi Tadulala (released), Paul Deacon (Wigan).

Player to watch: Matt Orford - a like-for-like replacement for Paul Deacon who has been described as the best scrum-half never to play for Australia.

Rising star: James Donaldson - Cumbrian back rower who made seven substitute appearances in 2009 and is likely to get more game time this year.

Odds to finish top: 16-1.

Prospects: The Bulls failed to reach the play-offs for the first time in 2009 so the only way is up and Orford can point the way.

Prediction: 9th.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Coach: Terry Matterson (since November 2005).

Captain: Ryan Hudson.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 9th, 10th, 6th, 5th, 5th, 8th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 2nd in National League (champions), 11th (relegated), 1st in National League (champions), 12th, 7th.

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Kirk Dixon 17; goals: Kirk Dixon 51; points - Kirk Dixon 170.

Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).

Biggest Super League defeat: 68-12 (v St Helens, 2008).

Ground and capacity: The Jungle (formerly Wheldon Road), 11,750.

2009 average attendance: 7,490 (down 11).

Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).

In: Steve Snitch (Wakefield), pictured, Paul Jackson (Huddersfield).

Out: Sione Faumuina (released), James Ford (Widnes), Chris Feather (Villeneuve), Ryan Boyle (Salford).

Player to watch: Rangi Chase - the Kiwi stand-off was one of the overseas signings of the year in 2009 and is hoping to avoid the second-season syndrome.

Rising star: John Davies - a teenage back row who has been promoted to the Tigers’ Super League squad after impressing in the reserves.

Odds to finish top: 80-1.

Prospects: Castleford made significant progress in 2009, reaching the play-offs for the first time for eight years, but with little significant recruitment look in danger of slipping back.

Prediction: 11th.

CATALANS DRAGONS

Coach: Kevin Walters (since December 2008).

Captain: to be announced.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 12th, 10th, 3rd, 8th.

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Olivier Elima and Dimitri Pelo both 17; goals Thomas Bosc 78; points - Thomas Bosc 174.

Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Salford, 2007).

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-12 (v Leeds, 2006).

Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 7,000 (temporary reduction during renovation in 2010).

2009 average attendance: 9,104 (up 616).

Record Super League attendance: 11,122 (v Wigan, 2006, at Stade Aime Giral).

In: Chris Walker (Gold Coast), Setaimata Sa (Sydney Roosters), Dallas Johnson (Melbourne), Tony Gigot (Harlequins).

Out: Jason Ryles (Sydney Roosters), Shane Perry, Jason Croker (both released), Vincent Duport (Toulouse), Greg Bird (Gold Coast).

Player to watch: Thomas Bosc - a player who has little left to prove at Super League level but his form will be crucial to his team’s play-off hopes, pictured.

Rising star: Tony Gigot - French-born stand-off who caught the eye playing for Harlequins’ reserves in 2009 and is hoping to get his chance in Super League.

Odds to finish top: 20-1.

Prospects: The Dragons will be looking to pick up from where they left off in 2009, when they came with a late rush to go to within 80 minutes of the Grand Final, and coach Kevin Walters has made some useful acquisitions.

Prediction: 8th.

CRUSADERS

Coach: Brian Noble (since October 2009), pictured.

Captain: to be announced.

Previous finish: 14th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - Luke Dyer and Lincoln Withers both 6; goals - Josh Hannay 24; points - Josh Hannay 56.

Biggest Super League win: 25-12 (v Salford, 2009).

Club-by-club Biggest Super League defeat: 68-0 (v Leeds, 2009).

Ground and capacity: Racecourse Ground, 10,000.

2009 average attendance (at Brewery Field): 3,603 (up 1,674 on National League).

Record Super League attendance: 6,351 (v St Helens, 2009).

In: Nick Youngquest (Gateshead), Gareth Raynor, Jamie Thackray, Tommy Lee (all Hull), Michael Witt (Otago RU), Tony Martin, Frank Winterstein (both Wakefield), Vince Mellars (Auckland Vulcans), Rocky Trimarchi (Wests Tigers).

Out: Chris Beasley, Darren Mapp (both Queensland Central Comets), Paul Ballard (Blackpool), Neil Budworth, Josh Hannay (both MacKay Cutters, NSW), Marshall Chalk (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Dalle Cort (Northern Pride), Geraint Davies (Coventry RU), Tony Duggan, Damien Quinn (both Lezignan), Aled James (released), Mark Lennon (Burleigh Bears), Matty Smith, Stephen Tyrer (both Salford), David Tangata Toa (returned to Australia), Jace Van Dijk (Easts Tigers).

Player to watch: Michael Witt - a goalkicking half-back who is looking to resurrect his career after an unsuccessful switch of codes.

Rising star: Lloyd White - stand-off or loose forward who seized his chance at first-team level at the end of last season and also caught the eye playing for Wales.

Odds to finish top: 150-1.

Prospects: The Crusaders have the most high-profile coaching staff but they have had precious little time to assemble a team and they are sure to struggle.

Prediction: 13th.

HARLEQUINS RL

Coach: Brian McDermott (since July 2006), pictured.

Captain: Rob Purdham (Chad Randall standing in for the first three months).

Previous finishes (most recent last): 4th, 2nd (runners-up), 7th, 8th, 11th, 6th, 8th, 5th, 10th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 9th, 11th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - David Howell 14; goals - Danny Orr 43; points - Danny Orr 102.

Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 74-12 (v Bradford, 1999).

Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 15,000.

2009 average attendance: 3,436 (down 337).

Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1996).

In: Andy Ellis (Barrow), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield), Matt James (Bradford), Ben Jones, Ben Jones-Bishop (both Leeds, Jones-Bishop on loan).

Out: Daniel Heckenberg, Chad Robinson (all returned to Australia), Matt Gardner, Jon Grayshon, Gareth Haggerty (all Widnes), Matt Gafa, Joe Mbu (both retired), Mick Nanyn (Leigh), Dylan Skee (Whitehaven).

Player to watch: Luke Dorn the much-travelled stand-off failed to make a big impression in his first season back in London, mainly due to a broken leg, and is out to make up for lost time.

Rising star: Ben Jones-Bishop - Leeds sprang a surprise by allowing the teenage full-back to go out on loan for he looks like a player with exciting potential.

Odds to finish top: 125-1.

Prospects: Quins won just one of their last 12 matches in 2009 and, with a series of low-key signings, are in danger of enduring another season of mediocrity.

Prediction: 12th.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

Coach: Nathan Brown (since December 2008).

Captain: Brett Hodgson.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 12th, 12th, 12th, 12th (relegated), 1st in NFP, 10th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 5th, 10th, 3rd.

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - David Hodgson 18; goals - Brett Hodgson 88; points - Brett Hodgson 220.

Biggest Super League win: 68-16 (v Leigh, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 86-6 (v Leeds, 1999).

Ground and capacity: Galpharm Stadium, 24,500.

2009 average attendance: 7,641 (up 205).

Record Super League attendance: 15,629 (v Leeds, 2008).

In: David Fa’alogo (South Sydney), Lee Gilmour (St Helens), Greg McNally (Whitehaven), Brad Drew, pictured, Scott Grix (both Wakefield), Graeme Horne (Hull), Kyle Wood (Sheffield), Jamie Cording (Castleford).

Out: Scott Moore (returned from loan spell to St Helens), Paul Jackson (Castleford), Liam Fulton (Wests Tigers), Tom Hemingway (Blackpool), Joe Walsh (Sheffield)), Danny Sculthorpe (Bradford).

Player to watch: Brett Hodgson - the Giants skipper enjoyed a spectacularly successful debut season, lifting the Man of Steel award, and is again the man to watch.

Rising star: Michael Lawrence - a naturally-gifted centre

and superb defender and, still only 19, is hoping to get more game time this year.

Odds to finish top: 12-1.

Prospects: After being crowned club of the year on a memorable night at the Man of Steel awards in October, the Giants have a tough act to follow but Nathan Brown has recruited wisely and they could be the ones to challenge the big two.

Prediction: 3rd.

HULL FC

Coach: Richard Agar (since May 2008).

Captain: Sean Long.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 9th, 11th, 7th, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 3rd, 5th, 2nd, 4th, 11th, 12th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - Craig Hall 10; goals Danny Tickle 76; points - Danny Tickle 176.

Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).

Biggest Super League defeat: 64-10 (v St Helens, 2002) - also lost 71-0 at Bradford in 2005 play-offs.

Ground and capacity: KC Stadium, 25,404.

2009 average attendance: 13,226 (down 206).

Record Super League attendance: 23,004 (v Hull KR, 2007).

In: Sean Long (St Helens), pictured, Mark O’Meley, Craig Fitzgibbon (both Sydney Roosters), Jordan Turner (Salford).

Out: Josh Hodgson (Hull KR), Dominic Maloney (Halifax), Gareth Raynor, Jamie Thackray, Tommy Lee (all Crusaders), Graeme Horne (Huddersfield), Motu Tony, Todd Byrne (both released), Chris Thorman (York), Josh Cordoba (Cronulla), Paul King (Wakefield).

Player to watch: Craig Fitzgibbon - now an elder statesman of the game, the former Australian Test forward will galvanise the Hull pack and bring a disciplined approach to the whole team.

Rising star: Tom Briscoe - 2009 was a virtual write-off for this promising winger but he made his comeback in time to play for England and, still only 19, should make a big impact at club level in 2010.

Odds to finish top: 25-1.

Prospects: Just when Hull fans thought their club’s fortunes had hit rock bottom, they got worse in 2009 but, with the introduction of quality personnel, they should make significant strides this year.

Prediction: 7th.

HULL KINGSTON ROVERS

Coach: Justin Morgan (since July 2005).

Captain: Mick Vella.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 11th, 7th, 4th.

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Peter Fox 18; goals - Michael Dobson 100; points Michael Dobson 246.

Biggest Super League win: 48-12 (v Salford, 2009).

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-20 (v Warrington, 2007 - also lost 40-0 v St Helens).

Ground and capacity: Craven Park, 10,215.

2009 average attendance: 8,501 (down 53).

Record Super League attendance: 10,197 (v Hull, 2008).

In: Joel Clinton (Brisbane, to be confirmed), Matt Cook (Bradford), pictured, Josh Hodgson (Hull), Mike Ratu (Leeds).

Out: Daniel Fitzhenry (Wests Tigers), Stanley Gene, Makali Aizue (both Halifax), Nick Fozzard (St Helens).

Player to watch: Joel Clinton - still to be confirmed but Clinton is expected to become the club’s high-profile signing, having played at the highest level in Australia, and will be needed to bolster a pack missing Nick Fozzard and Makali Aizue.

Rising star: Frankie Mariano - a promising utility player who is set to realise his dream of playing Super League for his home-town club after being promoted from the reserves.

Odds to finish top: 25-1.

Prospects: The Robins exceeded most expectations in 2009 with a fourth-placed finish and they could struggle to repeat that feat with, on paper, a weaker squad.

Prediction: 10th.

LEEDS RHINOS

Coach: Brian McClennan (since November 2007).

Captain: Kevin Sinfield.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 10th, 5th, 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 4th, 2nd (lost in final eliminator), 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 2nd (champions), 2nd (champions), 1st (champions).

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Ryan Hall 31; goals - Kevin Sinfield 117; points Kevin Sinfield 253.

Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999).

Biggest Super League defeat: 68-14 (v Wigan, 1996).

Ground and capacity: Headingley, 22,000.

2009 average attendance: 15,312 (down 1,444).

Record Super League attendance: 23,035 (v Bradford 2003).

In: Greg Eastwood (Canterbury), pictured, Brett Delaney (Gold Coast), Mike Coady (Doncaster), Kyle Amor (Whitehaven).

Out: Lee Smith (Wasps RU), Mike Ratu (Hull KR), Ashley Gibson, Jodie Broughton (both Salford), Danny Allan (Featherstone), Ben Jones-Bishop (Harlequins, on loan), Simon Worrall (Toulouse, on loan).

Player to watch: Greg Eastwood - better late than never for the World Cup winner, the champions’ replacement for Gareth Ellis who will be out to make up for lost time.

Rising star: Kallum Watkins a naturally-gifted centre who has produced a series of promising cameo performances over the last two seasons and now looks set to make the big breakthrough.

Odds to finish top: 11-10.

Prospects: The champions are showing no sign of slowing up and, in fact, with a marginally stronger squad, could pull further away from the rivals in 2010.

Prediction: 1st.

SALFORD CITY REDS

Coach: Shaun McRae (since June 2007), pictured.

Captain: Malcolm Alker.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 6th, 11th, 12th, 9th, 10th, 12th (relegated), 1st (in National League, promoted), 9th, 9th, 5th, 12th (relegated), 1st (in National League, promoted), 13th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - Richie Myler 11; goals - John Wilshere 59; points - John Wilshere 158.

Biggest Super League win: 48-10 (v Wakefield, 2006).

Biggest Super League defeat: 96-16 (v Bradford, 2000).

Ground and capacity: The Willows, 11,363.

2009 average attendance: 4,390 (up 622 on National League).

Record Super League attendance: 8,070 (v Leeds, 2007).

In: Ryan Boyle (Castleford), Matty Smith, Stephen Tyrer (both St Helens via Celtic Crusaders), Daniel Holdsworth (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ashley Gibson, Jodie Broughton (both Leeds).

Out: Craig Stapleton, John Wilshere (both returned to Australia), Robbie Paul (Leigh), Jordan Turner (Hull), Richie Myler (Warrington), Paul White (Halifax), Jason Walton (Batley), Stephen Nash (Leigh).

Player to watch: Stefan Ratchford - while most eyes were on Richie Myler, this utility back seized his opportunity to make his mark as a Super League player in 2009 and he can make even more progress this year.

Rising star: Jack Spencer - teenage forward who made his Super League debut towards the end of last season and is set for more senior appearances this year.

Odds to finish top: 150-1.

Prospects: It was generally a season of struggle for the Reds in 2009 and the prospects do not appear much brighter.

Prediction: 14th.

ST HELENS

Coach: Mick Potter (since December 2008).

Captain: Keiron Cunningham, pictured.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 1st (champions), 3rd, 4th, 2nd (champions), 2nd (champions), 4th, 1st (champions), 4th, 5th, 1st (lost in final eliminator), 1st (champions), 1st (runners-up), 1st (runners-up), 2nd (runners-up).

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Leon Pryce 16; goals - Sean Long 49; points - Sean Long 117.

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004).

Ground and capacity: Knowsley Road, 17,100.

2009 average attendance: 11,027 (up 287).

Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).

In: Sia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Nick Fozzard (Hull KR), Scott Moore (returned from loan spells at Castleford and Huddersfield).

Out: Jason Cayless (Wests Tigers), Sean Long (Hull), Lee Gilmour (Huddersfield).

Player to watch: Sia Soliola - at last a centre replacement for Willie Talau, although the New Zealand international could find himself in the pack for much of the season.

Rising star: Gary Wheeler - among a crop of hugely promising youngsters, he demonstrated his versatility by appearing in most back positions in 2009 and looks sure to get more game time this year.

Odds to finish top: 5-2.

Prospects: The departure of Long and Gilmour will increase the dependence on the club’s crop of talented youngsters but Saints still have enough class to challenge Leeds.

Prediction: 2nd.

WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS

Coach: John Kear (since July 2006).

Captain: Jason Demetriou.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 11th, 10th, 11th, 11th, 11th, 6th, 10th, 10th, 8th, 8th, 5th.

Huddersfield Giants Super League special

15

2010 guide 2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Ryan Atkins 13; goals - Danny Brough 70; points Danny Brough 180.

Biggest Super League win: 68-6 (v Halifax, 2003).

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-8 (v London, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Belle Vue, 11,000.

2009 average attendance: 5,891 (down 1,109).

Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).

In: Paul Johnson (Warrington), Paul King (Hull), Daryl Millard (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Jeffries, Terry Newton , pictured, Glenn Morrison (all Bradford), Shane Tronc (North Queensland).

Out: Ricky Bibey (Leigh), Jamie Rooney (Barrow), Tony Martin, Frank Winterstein (both Crusaders), Matt Peterson, James Stosic (both released), Brad Drew, Scott Grix (both Huddersfield), Ryan Atkins (Warrington), Steve Snitch (Castleford), Oliver Wilkes (Harlequins), Danny Sculthorpe (Bradford via Huddersfield).

Player to watch: Danny Brough - John Kear has brought in seven new and experienced faces for 2010 but their prospects will once more hinge on the ability of their gifted goalkicking half-back to orchestrate matters.

Rising star: James Davey - among a host of promising youngsters promoted to senior level, this clever hooker has shown enough signs of making it in Super League.

Odds to finish top: 50-1.

Prospects: The Wildcats were one of the success stories of 2009 and the arrival of players of genuine class points to another successful campaign.

Prediction: 6th.

WARRINGTON WOLVES

Coach: Tony Smith (since March 2009).

Captain: Adrian Morley.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 5th, 9th, 10th, 7th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 6th, 8th, 4th, 6th, 7th, 6th, 10th.

2009 leading scorers: tries - Chris Hicks 16; goals Chris Hicks 65; points - Chris Hicks 162.

Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Halifax, 2003).

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-2 (v St Helens, 2002).

Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 13,024.

2009 average attendance: 9,228 (down 268).

Record Super League attendance: 14,206 (v Wakefield, 2004).

In: Richie Myler (Salford), pictured, Ryan Atkins (Wakefield), David Solomona (Bradford).

Out: Paul Rauhihi (released), Paul Johnson (Wakefield), Steve Pickersgill (Widnes), Brian Carney (retired).

Player to watch: Richie Myler the former Widnes and Salford half-back enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame with England and it is now time for him to make a mark at Super League level.

Rising star: Tyrone McCarthy - Tony Smith has pinned his faith in the Ireland international who won a Challenge Cup winners’ medal in only his third senior appearance.

Odds to finish top: 10-1.

Prospects: A trio of class signings and with no England distractions for Tony Smith, the Wolves are bankers for the play-offs and could seriously challenge the big two.

Prediction: 4th.

WIGAN WARRIORS

Coach: Michael Maguire (since October 2009).

Captain: Five-man leadership team.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 2nd (runners-up), 4th, 1st (champions), 4th, 1st (runners-up), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 3rd (runners-up), 4th, 7th, 8th, 6th, 4th, 6th.

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Pat Richards 20; goals - Pat Richards 89; points Pat Richards 258.

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Workington, 1996).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2005).

Ground and capacity: JJB Stadium, 25,004.

2009 average attendance: 13,695 (down 260).

Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens 2005).

In: Paul Deacon (Bradford), pictured.

Out: Mark Flanagan (Wests Tigers).

Player to watch: Sam Tomkins Super League’s young player of the year is one of the most talked-about players in Super League and it is all justified.

Rising star: Joe Mellor - an 18-year-old half-back hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sam Tomkins but whose anticipated Super League debut will be delayed by a knee injury sustained in pre-season training.

Odds to finish top: 12-1.

Prospects: With a virtual unchanged squad, the Warriors’ bid to end the Leeds-Saints monopoly will depend on the ability of new coach Michael Maguire to get the best out his charges.

Prediction: 5th.

Odds courtesy of William Hill

... plus Jammer the Hammer’s take on teams IT’S great that the season kicks off with Bradford.

For starters, it’ll be the chance to meet up with my old Giants teammate and the ‘Italian Stallion’ Chris Nero.

Over at Odsal they also call him ‘Steve Menzies Shadow’, because he’s always following him around.

But Chris still has time to keep up an on-going feud with (former Giants full-back) Paul Reilly on Facebook. They must be trying to keep a special relationship secret.

When it comes to the Bradford team, I’m sure they’ll look forward to having warm showers after they’ve played against us.

That’s something we didn’t have the luxury of at their place early last season, which we all found a surprise for such a successful club.

Next up, we’ll look at Castleford, who are under the charge of Terry Matterson, or ‘Box Head’ as we used to call him when he was my assistant coach at Canberra.

Unfortunately, he suffered that horrible injury in France the other week when he lost a finger, which has ended his guitar-playing days, not that he actually played one!

I’m also looking forward to meeting up with (ex-Giants centre) Jimmy Evans, who was also on Canberra’s books with me.

He’s a good lad, and him and Chris Nero still remain inseparable. There must be something going on!

Over at Catalans Kangaroos – sorry, Dragons – I hear they celebrated Australia Day in Perpignan last Tuesday, because there are so many Aussies on their books.

I personally love the atmosphere down in the South of France, and I have to say, the locals’ knowledge of English is pretty impressive.

When you walk around Perpignan ahead of the game,

Guys, is a hot shower too much to ask for?

you’re often recognised, and you have to take your hat off to their vast array of English abusive terms, which are generally directed towards big Eorl.

The accents are obviously a bit different at Crusaders, and what can you say about them?

I’m surprised they’ve even managed to field a team because of all their off-field problems, and I hope they do well.

To be honest, we’re all pleased they’ve moved north to Wrexham, because their Bridgend ground definitely wasn’t the greatest.

Luckily, I didn’t play there last season, and I gather missing the team bus that week was the smartest move I made.

Moving down to Harlequins, and I’ll be meeting up with another good mate of mine in star man Chad Randall, a good bloke, but a bad drinker.

Once again, he’s very close to Chris Nero and they have a strange, strange relationship.

There’s clearly a theme developing here over our Mr Nero, and I think we’ll draw a veil over this subject to stop people talking. He’s still my mate.

But, quickly back to Quins, and I have to say the atmosphere at The Stoop isn’t the greatest in the world, but they make up for that with their cheerleaders – not that I’m able to watch them while I’m playing, of course!

Hull FC have made some good signings in Australians Craig Fitzgibbon, who’s a top bloke, and Mark O’Meley, who loves to talk himself up.

Mark’s a very funny bloke, particularly when his words get in front of his brain.

■ RECURRING THEME: Ex-Giants star Chris Nero But I really must question Hull’s administration when they allow a player like Graeme Horne to leave. He’s a great talent and, on behalf of everyone at the Giants, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ for letting us have him.

I have to admit I was surprised when I was told the Hull fans had a bit of a ‘reputation’, because from my experience it’s the fans over at Hull KR who are the problem.

I absolutely hate playing at Craven Park. It’s terrible, horrendous, shocking.

As well as being a poor ground, it’s got a bad pitch and awful changing rooms. It’s also incredibly cold.

In fact, the only good thing about going there is the bus trip home!

Leeds will again be the team to beat in Super League, especially with Greg Eastwood finally on board.

Don’t let his barrel body deceive you. He will punish you if you run near him.

We’ve actually known each other for a while now, and went to the same school on the Gold Coast, Keebra Park State High, although I’m a bit older.

Although you know you’re always going to be in for a tough time at Headingley, I actually love the atmosphere and I’m looking forward to going back there.

That, however, can’t be said about Salford and The Willows.

Their changing rooms really are the pits, although I don’t think that’s a view shared by Robbo (Luke Robinson).

The problem with the sheds is that the roof slopes down on one side, and Robbo’s the only one who can fit under it, so he’s got bags of room to change, while the rest of us have to huddle together.

But it’ll still be good to meet up with Willie Talau, who’s even louder than me!

Lee Gilmour (Talau’s old mate at St Helens) has actually said how relieved he is that me and Willie aren’t teammates, because he’d have gone deaf!

Talking of St Helens, it’ll be good to catch up with Keiron Purtill, who is assistant coach there after having that job here.

I was personally shocked when he left Huddersfield, because he met all the criteria for being one of our coaches – bald.

He would have still fitted in nicely with our ‘chrome domes’.

What never fails to shock me now, however, is the ‘smartness’ of Kevin Henderson at Wakefield.

His quotes are legendary, including the classic: My confidence is probably ‘70-40’ at the moment!

When Drewy was at Wakefield, Kev kept winding him up because of his stupidity.

But he’s still a good player and will pose a big threat when we play there.

Personally, I love playing at Wakefield. It’s always a great atmosphere, with the fans very active and vocal.

Next Warrington, the team who beat us in the Challenge Cup final.

We don’t hold that against them, because we didn’t play well at Wembley on the day, but I suppose it would be nice to get our own back this year.

Their star that day was my former Canberra teammate Michael Monaghan, who is still a good friend of mine.

He’s always been a very big schemer, both on the field and off it. .

Finally, it’s Wigan, who are now under the charge of my former assistant coach at Canberra, Michael Maguire.

Madge is a top coach and I’m sure he’ll do very well and bring the best out of the likes of another good mate of mine in Mark ‘Piggy’ Riddell. A top bloke.

His nickname is fully deserved, and if his teammates ever run short of food, they’ll know where to get a bucket load of bacon!”