Wednesday, February 1 2012
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
GIANTS
Super League XVII NATHAN: No extra pressure in my final season as coach Pages 2-3
KEVIN:
Inner secrets of the tough Giants’ training sessions Pages 4-5
CLUB GUIDE
Pages 10-11
LET’S MAKE THIS A BIG ONE! Eorl interview ... team pic ... new boys
ALL INSIDE YOUR SUPER 12-PAGE PRE-SEASON PULL-OUT
GIANTS in Super League XVII
■ SAME APPROACH: Giants coach Nathan Brown (left) and assistant Paul Anderson
Business as usual
NATHAN BROWN knows Paul Anderson will be ready to take over from him as head coach at the end of the season. But the current boss knows his successor won’t let that affect the work he does in 2012. The club confirmed before Christmas that assistant coach Anderson would step into Brown’s shoes when he returns to his native Australia at the end of the Super League XVII season. It was a decision that had the full backing of Brown, who believes the former Great Britain prop is the right man for the job. But the former St George Dragons chief knows it’ll be business as usual as usual in 2012, with Anderson not letting the future distract his work in the present. “Baloo is without doubt a great choice to be head coach of the Giants when I’ve gone,” confirmed Brown. “But that’s for the future. I know that and Baloo knows that. “For this season, he’ll keeping on doing exactly what he’s done in the three years I’ve worked with him. “Baloo already plays a big part in what we’re doing – he does it excellently – and it’ll be very similar this time around. “Clearly that’ll change next season, but because the current arrangement has been working so well there’s no point changing things at all. “As far as Baloo is concerned and I’m concerned, it’s business as usual. “We’re both 100% focused on doing what we can to bring success to the Giants this season.”
Family affair for Griffins
BROTHERLY love could be put to the test in Super League in 2012 if the Griffins go head-to-head. Darrell, 30, is the most famous sibling, having represented England during his time at the Giants, while 21-year-old Josh, also ex-Huddersfield, has started to make a name for himself in the last two seasons and is hoping for a big year at Castleford. Now 19-year-old George has come onto the scene after Hull KR tempted him back from Australia with the offer of a two-year contract. The last set of three brothers to play in Super League at the same time were the Hendersons, Andrew, Ian and Kevin, who were raised in Australia but born in Torquay and the Griffins also have unusual roots. They hail from Whitney, near Oxford, and moved as a family to Yorkshire when Darrell was snapped up by Wakefield in 2003 after earlier being spotted playing for Oxford Cavaliers in the pioneering Rugby League Conference. “It would be fantastic if we could all get a crack,” said Darrell, who moved to Leeds in the close season. “It’s mainly down to George, he’s got to pull his finger out and get himself into the Hull KR side. It would be a great thing for the family.”
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
NO ■ THE PLAYMAKERS: From left, Scott Grix, Brown, Shaun Lunt, Danny Brough and Luke
CAN Nathan Brown end his four-year reign by bringing silverware to Huddersfield?
That’s the burning question as the Giants’ highly-popular head coach prepares for his final Super League campaign at the Galpharm helm before heading back home to Australia. In his first season in 2009, he helped Huddersfield reach the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and 12 months later became the first Giants coach to take the club to within one game of the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. Although Brown secured a fourth-place finish for his side in 2011, a heavy injury list took its toll and Huddersfield fell short in the play-offs. It’s a scenario the former St George Dragons coach in the Australian NRL is desperate to avoid for a second time, with drastic steps having been taken to ensure there’s no lack of bodies at the business end of the season once again, hence the fact so many members of his squad underwent major surgery at the end of last year and will miss the start of Super League XVII. Whether it’s an approach that pays off obviously won’t.be known until this autumn. But Brown is confident it can prove a winning strategy and his end-of-season leaving party can also be a celebration of the Giants’ most successful ever season – which, as far as he’s concerned, means everything, with his departure of secondary importance. In Brown’s eyes, whether it’s his final season or not, he wants to win Super League and the Challenge Cup! “I have been asked if I’m more determined than ever to win something this year, because it would be the perfect way to end my time here,” said Brown. “People may feel this gives me extra motivation to succeed, but that’s not the case. “Whether it’s my first game or my last, I want to win. Always have done and always will do, so in that sense it makes no difference that it’s my final year. “My desire to bring silverware to this club remains as strong now as it did on day one. “Obviously, I’d love to return home knowing the Giants had won a major trophy while I’d been head coach, and I know that’s got to happen this year. “That’s what we’re all focusing on as a club, and the fact this is my final season isn’t part of our thinking. “It’s just the winning that matters, and that’s something this group is capable of achieving.” Brown is well aware the Giants face a massive early challenge, with so many senior players ruled out for the start of the season.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
GIANTS in Super League XVII
PRESSURE Tommy Lee, Kevin Robinson
Nathan: Targets in my last season are same as ever, winning trophies!
By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk
For the opening game of the Super League XVII campaign, Kevin Brown (ankle), David Fa’alogo (back), David Faiumu (shoulder), Keith Mason (groin), Luke O’Donnell (knee), Larne Patrick (wrist) and Tony Tonks (suspended) are all sidelined. But Brown still feels he has the squad capable of mounting a serious top-flight challenge. “As the weeks progress, we’ll slowly start to get blokes back and then we’ll get stronger and stronger,” he added. “To be fair, even without those who are missing, we’ve still got a reasonably formidable squad at our disposal, which underlines the depth of the squad we’ve now got here. “We’ve now got quality throughout the squad and that’s something which we’re having to see from the start this year. “And as well as the injuries, we’re also all having to adjust to a new attacking style of play, which is going to take a bit of time to perfect. “I think we saw in the trial games at Castleford and Wigan that the players are starting to get to grips with it. There was a big improvement from game one to game two. “I’m confident that the improvements will continue, and that when it really matters everything will have fallen into place. “As a group, we’re all very excited about seeing things come together.” Brown is also delighted with the way his new signings, Jason Chan, Greg Eden, Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy and Tony Tonks, have fitted in. “We’ve been very pleased. They have all settled in well and, judging by the way they have trained throughout pre-season, we’re confident they’ll make us a more competitive squad. “Clearly, it’s early days, but they have shown with their attitude and willingness to work that we’ve made the right choice to bring them here.” And who does the head coach believe will be the biggest threat to Brown finishing his time at the Giants on a massive high? “The usual sides will be up there, I think we can all agree on that,” he continued. “The likes of Wigan, Warrington, St Helens and Leeds are bound to be challenging, and it’ll be interesting to see which sides have improved from the lower part of the top
eight and from the lower part of the table, as well. “Look at Wakefield, for instance. They’ve spent a lot more money this year and added experience to the squad. “The two Hull clubs have brought in coaches from the Australian NRL, and it’s always interesting to see how sides fair under a new coach and his methods, and London Broncos have added a lot more strength to their squad. “Obviously, we’ll all know a lot more when the competition gets going, but there’s nothing to suggest the challenges won’t get any easier, far from it.”
■ BIGGEST DAY SO FAR: Nathan Brown leads out his side with chairman Ken Davy at Wembley in 2009
Celebrating 10 years of providing market leading compliance and business support to independent financial advisers nationwide
Would like to wish the Huddersfield Giants the very best of luck in the 2012 Super League Season Pioneering. Professional. Personal. www.SimplyBiz.co.uk T: 01484 439100 info@simplybiz.co.uk
GIANTS in Super League XVII
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
TAKING IT TO Kevin Brown reveals the effort needed to get match-fit By CHRIS ROBERTS Rugby League Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk
WHEN the Giants step onto a pitch for the 80 minutes of Super League action, it signals the end of a week full of blood, sweat and – sometimes – tears.
But when it’s the opening game of a new season, it also brings the curtain down on three months of punishing pre-season work designed to ensure the players are in the best possible shape to mount a genuine top-flight challenge. This is the work that goes unseen by the supporters. They don’t see their favourites pushed to their absolute physical limits on the hills around West Yorkshire – a ‘popular’ pre-season past-time for many clubs – or the toughest of field training drills which would completely break us mere mortals. Yet this is all part of the average working week for a full-time Super League player. There is, however, far more to their daily routine than this. Besides all the training sessions, there’s time spent with the physiotherapists who have the task of dealing with all the numerous bumps and bruises that are part and parcel of playing such a brutal contact sport. Then there are various promotional activities to attend, regular talks by Rugby Football League officials on a whole host of subjects and the usual demands from the media for players to comment on a whole range of rugby league matters, with a preview of the next game often top of the agenda. And away from the club the players have a duty to rest up as much as possible to ensure they’re physically prepared for the demanding challenges ahead and that they eat all the right food so their bodies have the right fuel inside them to work efficiently and effectively. But what exactly is a typical training week for a Super League player, or for a Giants star in particular? What they do during the season itself and in pre-season does alter dramatically, although it’s something that very few often find out about – until now! Thanks to Giants captain Kevin Brown, he’s ready to reveal to the Galpharm faithful what goes on behind closed doors, or rather away from the full glare of the Super League field. And he hopes his training diary makes for some interesting reading.
PRE-SEASON
SUNDAY: This is our day of rest and the time to relax, ready to get cracking again on Monday and for everything to start building up again. MONDAY: We call this a transitional day. We start by doing some speed work with conditioner Greg Brown for around 30 minutes. Then it’s a wrestling session, with the backs going first, followed by the forwards. That’s followed by team drills before we go for lunch. In the afternoon, we split into the backs and forwards to train in the gym. TUESDAY: This is when we normally get our work done. When we do a session we rate it out of 10, with 10 being a session when you can’t do any more and you’re physically sick. Tuesday sessions are usually between and eight and a 10 and last for about one-and-a-half hours. We’ll then do skills after that. As soon as we’ve had lunch, it’s back to the gym to do another weights session, which will be the opposite to what we did the day before. So if we did upper body on Monday, it’s lower body on the Tuesday. WEDNESDAY: Because Tuesday has been so tough and our bodies are guaranteed to be feeling sore, it’s usually a very light day. You’ll have a massage and sometimes do some ‘extras’, if it’s felt it’s required. THURSDAY: It usually starts with some team-based skills before we all split up for position-specific drills. Jamahl Lolesi (pictured) takes the backs, Nathan Brown the hookers and halves and Paul Anderson the forwards. In the afternoon, it’s back into the gym for another weights session. FRIDAY: This tends to be fairly similar to the day before, with more team skills. But we then go through our new systems and get all the younger boys involved. We’ll also focus on either defensive or attacking systems, depending on what we’ve done earlier in the week. If it’s our attacking systems. it’s all about team yardage and good ball. Yet again, it’s onto the weights in the afternoon, although for a fairly light session. SATURDAY: The relatively straight-forward Friday is to prepare us for what’s to come the following day, which starts with a big session on the field again. This will probably be the toughest of the week, around the 9½ mark. And there’s no let-up straight after that as we go straight into wrestling and tackling. Take it from me, that’s one tough day!
SUPER LEAGUE SEASON SUNDAY: Game day!
MONDAY: We have our review of the Sunday game, do a bit of rehab and go swimming. TUESDAY: It’s back onto the field to do some light team skills and skills working on your specifics, eg catching and passing. Then after lunch it’s a weights session. WEDNESDAY: Time to rest. THURSDAY: This is when we spend a fair amount of time on our game-plan and more on review. That takes the morning and it’s weights again after lunch. FRIDAY: Another day off to make sure we’re as fresh as we can be ahead of matchday. SATURDAY: This session is call the captain’s run, where we go through a couple of our sets as a team. Browny will have a chat with us and the boys will have a chat before we go away and get ready to rip in on a Sunday! Obviously, this is all subject to the general health of the player. It goes without saying that if you’re injured, there’s no way you can follow a schedule like this. Your working week has to be tailored accordingly. And you just hope the injury isn’t that bad that you have to spend time in rehabilitation. Being injured is bad enough, but to then be faced with the prospect of starting your rehab work at Total Fitness at Waterloo for a 7.30am start really is the ultimate torture! I suppose it gives you even more of an incentive to get your rehab work done as professionally and thoroughly as possible so you escape ASAP. And whether we’re fit or not, what we eat and drink is always a massive consideration, particularly when you’re training to your absolute maximum. When you’re doing that, it’s vital you get through a lot of calories or else you’ll end up getting ill – and I have to admit I like tucking in to an endless supply of food, because I’m a skinny kid trying to get big! So as well as eating substantial meals, I also have a protein shake when I wake up, a protein shake when I go to bed, a creatine shake when I train, a protein shake when I’ve finished and then a creatine shake before a gym session and then another protein shake after. All in all, that’s a lot of calories, but it really is vitally important. It’s simply a case of eating or drinking what I like, as long as it’s healthy, of course!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
GIANTS in Super League XVII
THE LIMIT! Danny: This will be our toughest season By PETE BARROW Sports Reporter
peter.barrow@examiner.co.uk
GIANTS inspirational half back Danny Brough is expecting the hottest competition yet as Super League XVII gets under way. The former Hull, Castleford and Wakefield player, who turned 29 last month, again promises to be a key figure for Nathan Brown’s team as they seek to improve on last season when the play-offs again proved a major hurdle for the Galpharm Stadium outfit. “I think a lot of the clubs who were outside the top eight last year have strengthened for this season,” said Brough. “They will have improved and will be ready to go from the start, so it is going to be tough again. “But I feel that if we get ourselves right we will be able to challenge again. “However, there is no doubt that this will probably be the toughest competition since Super League started.” Brough (inset left) comes into the new campaign fit and ready for the fray – and having determinedly put last season’s setbacks behind him. An ankle injury robbed Brough of a significant amount of the season for Giants and then a knee injury counted him out of the England squad after he had been selected by national coach Steve McNamara for the Four Nations competition. “All the injury problems and the England stuff are behind me now,” said Brough. “Things like that happen in rugby league and it will have happened to lots of players, so there is no point in singling yourself out, you have to get on with it, get the rehab done and get back to playing just as soon as you can. “I have no injury problems at the moment and I am just looking forward to getting started. “We want to start well, but the first four or five games won’t tell the story of the season. “Really, as a club, it is a question of getting our preparation right and we seem to be doing that.”
GIANTS in Super League XVII
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Huddersfie
â– THE SUPER LEAGUE XVII SQUAD: Back: Dave Blacker (Club Statistics), Johnny Molloy, Greg Eden, Dave Orwell, Jamie Cording, Tony Tonks, Adam Walker, Ross Peltier, Josh Johnson Middle - Barry Wilkinson (Kit Man), Matt Green (Rehabilitation Coach), Jessica Marshall (Sports Therapist), Tom Dalton (Under 18s Manager), Joe Wardle, Dale Ferguson, Luke George, Jas Performance), Greg Brown (Conditioning Coach). Front - Jamahl Lolesi (Assistant Coach), Luke Robinson, Leroy Cudjoe, David Fa'alogo, Lee Gilmour, Luke O'Donnell, Nathan Brown (Head Coach), Kevin Brown (Captain), David Faiumu, S
FEBRUARY Sun 5 Sun 12 Sat 18 Sun 26
Wigan ............................... A Widnes.............................. H Warrington (Sky)............... H London Broncos ............... A
3.00pm 3.00pm 5.45pm 2.00pm
MARCH Sun 4 Sun 11 Fri 16
St Helens .......................... H Wakefield .......................... A Castleford (Sky)................ H
3.00pm 3.30pm 8.00pm
Sun 25 Fri 30
Hull KR ............................. A Leeds................................ A
3.00pm 8.00pm
APRIL Fri 6 Mon 9 Sun 22
Salford ...............................H Hull FC...............................H Bradford.............................A
3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
MAY Sat 5 Fri 18
Catalan ..............................A Wigan (Sky) .......................H
6.00pm 8.00pm
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
GIANTS in Super League XVII
eld GIANTS
n, Jacob Fairbank, Matthew Sarsfield, Matthew Dawson, Brian Blacker (Under 20s Manager). ason Chan, Michael Lawrence, Eorl Crabtree, Keith Mason, Aaron Murphy, Larne Patrick, Tommy Lee, Jermaine McGillvary, Paul Cook (On-field Assistant), Pete Riding (Head of Youth
Shaun Lunt, Danny Brough, Scott Grix, Paul Anderson (Assistant Coach).
Sun 27
Salford (Magic Weekend) ..N
JH250112Fgiants-02.jpg
2.00pm
Fri 27
Widnes.............................. A Hull KR ............................. H London Broncos ............... H
3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
Sun 5 Fri 10 Sun 19
Hull FC.............................. A Castleford ......................... A Wakefield .......................... H
Catalan ............................. H Salford .............................. A Bradford............................ H
3.00pm 8.00pm 3.00pm
SEPTEMBER
JULY Sun 1 Sun 8 Sun 22
8.00pm
AUGUST
JUNE Sun 3 Sun 10 Sun 24
St Helens .......................... A
3.00pm 3.30pm 3.00pm
Sun 2 Sun 9
Warrington ........................ A Leeds................................ H
3.00pm 3.00pm
● Fixtures later in the season could be subject to change at Sky TV’s request.
GIANTS in Super League XVII
■ LEE GILMOUR: You’ve been warned
GIANTS players, you have been warned!
Eorl Crabtree and Luke Robinson have taken on a new role for Super League XVII – Examiner columnists. And they’ve made it clear from the start that none of their teammates are safe! The England pair may be two of the most popular members of the squad, but that hasn’t prevented them from copping a fair amount of flak off their so-called Huddersfield friends in the past. Yet now they have the ability to mount a devastating counter-attack (if required) by naming and shaming their antagonists in public – and the mischievous duo can’t wait! “I can’t wait to get cracking,” said hooker Robinson. “In fact, I feel a bit like a main man in a Mafia film. Everyone can have a go, but they can expect something back, so they have been warned! “In the past, you usually just get the one chance to have a crack at your teammates when you dish the dirt in the match programme. What I usually do in this instance is keep my powder dry and what for my turn to get stuck in. “But now I’ve got the luxury of being able to do it on a regular basis, which should be fun. “As a result, I expect everyone to watch their
Watch out Lee, we’re on your case Our new columnists issue warning
back, particularly Lee Gilmour. He better keep quiet or else he’s a dead man. “Gilly’s a classic example of someone who likes to dish it out on a regular basis, but isn’t the best at taking it, so there could be some fun and games there! “All the lads know I can take the abuse and give it out, it’s just that I’ve now got a bit more weight to what I can send them back. “It’s a good position to find myself in!” Those sentiments were echoed by his new partner-in-crime, big prop Crabtree, who’s also relishing his new role. “I really enjoy doing my media work on the radio, and doing this column is another exciting string to my bow,” said Crabtree, pictured right, with his new partner-in-crime. “This is another way in which I can express my views, and get my own back on my teammates at the same time! “Robbo and myself know this is our chance to keep everyone in check, but we’ve got one or two things we intend to include on a regular basis.
“Here at the Giants, we hand out a special award called ‘The Helmet of the Week’ and we do believe it’s our duty to make the details of this award public from now on. It’s our way of giving something back to the fans, because we like to keep them up to speed as much as we can. “But even though we intend to have some fun in this column, we both appreciate this is just a light sideline. “Much of what we’ll be talking about is on the back of how we’re playing, and if one or two results go against us, it won’t exactly be a ‘laughathon’. “Having said that, I don’t think it’ll happen too often, if at all. “Obviously, it’s well documented how many injuries to forwards we’ve got for the start of the season, but we won’t be hiding behind that as an excuse. “We’ve got quality players ready to push up from back-row to prop and some really talented youngsters who’ve come up and are looking to take their chance with both hands, which I’m
Mathers is feeling at home
WAKEFIELD full-back Richard Mathers is feeling very much at home as he eagerly awaits the start of a new season, four months after he was made an outcast at neighbouring Castleford. The former Leeds, Wigan and Warrington player was shocked to discover that he did not figure in the plans of new Tigers coach Ian Millward, despite being just 12 months into a three-year contract. Mathers says he was told to stay away from training and faced a season on the sidelines until Wildcats coach Richard Agar came to his
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
rescue, negotiating a year-long loan deal. The 28-year-old, who is set to make his debut for his new club in next Friday’s Stobart Super League opener at Widnes, says he has never been given an explanation for his treatment at Castleford. “There’s probably only one person who can answer that and it’s not me,” he said. “I’ve not done anything wrong. I signed a three-year contract and played quite well last year. “I was told that, no matter what, I wouldn’t feature. I was told to stay away and, after
confident they will. And I’m also personally excited about how the year might go. “During pre-season I’ve lost about 6kg, and I feel a lot better and a lot fitter for it. I’m looking forward to ripping in again!” Robinson is also relishing the season ahead. “This pre-season is like no other I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “In the 10 years I’ve played the game at this level, I’ve never known so many operations having to take place at the end of the season. “That obviously means we’re going to be a bit light at the start of the year, but it’s at times like this that you often see youngsters come from nowhere, make the most of their opportunity and start to make a name for themselves. With the quality of young player we’ve got here, that could well happen for us. “But we’re still going to much stronger when we get all our injured players back and, when we do, we know we’re going to take an awful lot of beating!”
three or four weeks of pre-season, I was allowed to go in and train on my own with the conditioning staff. “I felt like an outcast. It’s a lonely old place. You spend a lot of time on your own and it was a good job I’ve got a good family around me, people I could talk to and let my emotions out. “It was quite stressful. You do a lot of soul-searching, wondering what you’ve done wrong but I couldn’t find a reason and I still can’t. I had 25 friends there all questioning it ■ FRESH START: Richard Mathers is as well. I’m not a looking forward to life at Wakefield trouble-maker.”
Bronco Gower sets sights high LONDON Broncos back Craig Gower is targeting Super League supremacy on his return to the game. The 33-year-old has switched codes after three years representing Aviron and Italy in rugby union and he wants to lead the newly-rebranded Broncos to the top of the table. Describing the target for Broncos as “definitely more than a top-half finish”, Gower added: “We are looking forward to playing well during the season and for me it is all about trying to win the competition. “If you’re not out there trying to win the competition then you’re in the wrong game.”
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
GIANTS in Super League XVII
Just let me play: Grix GIANTS fans favourite Scott Grix is ready to prove himself all over again in Super League XVII. The Halifax-born 26-year-old was the Giants Supporters Player of the Year last season when he excelled after taking over the mantle of Brett Hodgson at full-back. However, having shown the ability to step into some big boots last term, coach Nathan Brown looks set to test Grix’s abilities to meet a new challenge again this term. The Ireland international has been thrust into a half-back role in the Giants pre-season run-outs at Wigan and Castleford and he is ready to take on the challenge. “Obviously last year I had a significant amount of games in the one position,” said Grix. “That was really good in terms of finding some consistent form and being able to read the game. “But we have had a look at it and in the close season I have had a couple of starts at half back and playing an important role in the middle of the pitch. “To be honest, it is great to get the chance to play in another role, but we will have to fathom it out between us what works best for the team. “But essentially I am happy to play whatever Browny wants me to.” Grix is expecting the Giants to impress once again in Super League as coach Brown makes his final tilt at the title, and feels the side are well prepared. “I have really enjoyed then work during the close season,” said Grix. “We have got a relatively
By PETE BARROW Sports Reporter young squad this time out and, since Christmas when we got a few extra bodies in, training has been great. “We are looking forward to getting out on the field now for what is going to be a pretty tough start, but we are going to give it a real go.” But he is under no illusions that this term the Giants need to stay competitive throughout the season in what he believes will be a competition that is even tougher than ever. “I suppose we say it every year, but I do think that this year’s Super League will be one of the closest competitions we have ever had,” he said. “If we are anything to go by as a squad we are fitter, faster and stronger, but you have to believe that everyone else has done the work too, so we will just have to see how it all pans out. “I definitely feel that every club will have improved because ever club comes into the competition wanting to be up at the top competing. “Having said that I don’t think that making a big impact from the start is so important. “That was shown last season when we started really well and then fell away, while Leeds did just the opposite and came back strongly to win the competition. “Obviously we would prefer to find a bit more of a balance and stay strong round by round. But we know what we did last year and we have to take the good things from that and go again.”
Old boys await ONCE again a number of very familiar faces will be playing for rival clubs this season. While six new signings have arrived at the Giants for Super League XVII (Jason Chan, Greg Eden, Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy and Tony Tonks), an even larger number have moved on to pastures new. David Hodgson, Darrell Griffin, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile, Kyle Wood, Gregg McNally and Jamie Simpson all left at the end of the season, and will no doubt be desperate to prove the Giants were wrong to let them go! The most high-profile departure was England prop Griffin, who opted for the security of a longer-term deal than the Giants could offer at Super League champions Leeds Rhinos. At the same time, three of last season’s squad were moving to Hull KR and three to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Forwards Raleigh and Kirmond and hooker/half-back Wood have made the short journey to Belle Vue, while winger Hodgson, utility man Horne and hooker Carlile set off along the M62 to Craven Park. Utility back McNally has moved down a division and is expected to star for Leigh Centurions in the Co-operative Championship and fellow utility back Simpson has returned to Australia and signed for Brisbane club Easts Tigers, a feeder team for top NRL club Melbourne Storm.
GIANTS in Super League XVII Bradford Bulls
In: Luke Gale, Karl Pryce (both London), Elliot Kear, Jarrod Sammut (both Crusaders), Keith Lulia (Newcastle Knights), Manase Manuokafoa (Parramatta Eels), Adrian Purtell (Penrith Panthers). Out: Dave Halley (Keighley Cougars, loan), Patrick Ah Van (Widnes Vikings), Shad Royston (Pia Donkeys), Andy Lynch (Hull FC), Vinny Finnigan (Sheffield Eagles), Steve Crossley, Cain Southernwood (both Dewsbury Rams), Gareth Raynor (Featherstone Rovers), Marc Herbert (released). Coach: Mick Potter – Carrying such a great pedigree with him to Bradford, Potter will have been disappointed with his first season at Odsal. However, with a year under his belt, the former Catalan and St Helens coach may feel that he is starting to construct a team capable of mounting a challenge. Key Man: Olivier Elima – The free-scoring second-rower was one of the few bright glimpses for a lacklustre Bulls outfit last campaign. The same will be expected for the experienced French international. Last Season: 10th. Prediction: 9th.
Castleford Tigers In: Grant Millington (Cronulla Sharks), Lee Mitchell (Warrington Wolves, loan), Josh Griffin (Wakefield Wildcats). Out: Dean Widders (retired), Greg Eden (Huddersfield Giants), Willie Isa (Widnes Vikings), Nick Fozzard (Dewsbury Rams), Martin Aspinwall (Hull FC), James Clare, Billy Harris (both Dewsbury Rams, loan), Ryan Brierley (Leigh Centurions, loan), Richard Mathers (Wakefield Wildcats, loan). Coach: Ian Millward – A return to Super League for the experienced coach. Could prove his biggest challenge yet with evident off-field problems to contend with at The Coliseum. Key Man: Rangi Chase – A stand-out performer in Super League last time out and easily his best season to date, the Kiwi ‘Englishman’ will be hoping to replicate his performances this coming campaign. Last Season: 9th. Prediction: 12th.
Catalans Dragons In: Leon Pryce (St Helens), Louis Anderson (Warrington Wolves), Damien Cardace, Julien Bousquet (both Lezignan) . Out: Ben Farrar (Manly Sea-Eagles). Coach: Trent RobInson – The young coach made a great start at Catalan last season and was named Coach of the Year for helping to secure a shock sixth-place finish. The French-speaking RobInson will now look to maintain the momentum in 2012. Key Man: Leon Pryce. Has to be the team’s biggest signing to date. Pryce will not only bring superb ball skills and mind for the game, but also as a 30-year-old of fantastic experience. Signing of the Super League? Last Season: 6th. Prediction: 8th.
Huddersfield Giants In: Jason Chan (Crusaders RL, pictured), Tommy Lee, Luke George, Aaron Murphy (all Wakefield Wildcats), Tony Tonks (Featherstone Rovers), Greg Eden (Castleford Tigers). Out: Darrell Griffin (Leeds Rhinos), David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Hull KR), Josh Griffin (Castleford Tigers), Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond, Kyle Wood (all Wakefield Wildcats), Greg McNally, Elliott Hodgson, Jamie Simpson (all released). Coach: Nathan Brown – In his final season with the Giants before returning home to Australia, Brown has clearly taken his men up a level or two over the last few years. But he
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dragons could turn THERE may be new sponsors, six new coaches and seven new captains but it would be a surprise if Stobart Super League XVII throws up any change to the old order.
Warrington and Wigan, who finished well clear of the field in 2011 before failing in the play-offs, are once more expected to set the pace, with last year’s Grand Finalists Leeds and St Helens likely to make up the top four. Huddersfield might once more have a say in that, but the club most likely to make the breakthrough in 2012 could be Catalan Dragons under the astute coaching of Trent Robinson. The French club made a slow
start last season, losing four of their first five matches as the team adjusted to the demands of their new coach, but they finished strongly to secure a sixth-place finish. Now settled under the 2011 Coach of the Year, the Dragons could make a concerted push for O l d Tr a ffo rd , especially if new signing Leon Pryce can stay clear of injury and they improve their form at home, where they won just seven of 13 games last season. Second-rower Louis Anderson is Robinson’s other major recruit but Warrington look to have an adequate replacement in Trent
Waterhouse, a ball-handling former Australia Test forward who should slot seamlessly into Tony Smith’s attacking style of rugby. The Wolves have taken a gamble by arriving back from t h e i r Au s t r a l i a n training camp just six days before their first game and they will be weakened by injuries in the opening weeks, but they are worthy favourites to reach a maiden Grand Final. New Wigan coach Shaun Wane has a hard act to follow as he begins his dream job and it is not made any easier by the departure of a number of experienced players, although there is still enough class
will no doubt want to take it further and end his tenure at the club on a high. Key Man: Jermaine McGillvary – The pacy winger broke onto the scene properly last season, making a huge impact for the Giants, ending up as the club’s top try scorer (17). With a full Super League season now under his belt, the expectations of this live-wire will be even higher. Last Season: 4th. Prediction: 4th.
will want to get his side firing after numerous seasons of pulling up short. Key Man: Andy Lynch – A great signing for Hull FC, someone who can do no other than lead from the front. The powerful forward will be hoping a change of scene may change his fortunes with some success. Ideal replacement for the talismanic Radford, who has retired. Last Season: 8th. Prediction: 7th.
Hull FC
Hull KR
In: Wade McKinnon (West Tigers), Tony Martin (Crusaders RL), Brett Seymour, Aaron Heremaia (Both New Zealand Warriors), Andy Lynch (Bradford Bulls), Eamon O’Carroll (Wigan Warriors), Jamie Ellis (Leigh Centurions), Martin Aspinwall (Castleford Tigers). Out: Danny Washbrook, Ewan Dowes (Wakefield Wildcats), Epalahame Lauaki (Wigan Warriors), Luke Briscoe (Leeds Rhinos), Sean Long, Craig Fitzgibbon, Lee Radford (all retired), Sam Obst (Keighley Cougars), Cameron Phelps, Martin Gleeson (both released). Coach: Peter Gentle – Somewhat of an unknown to the Super League having previously being the assistant coach of West Tigers. Gentle
In: Shannon McDonnell, Con Mika (both Newcastle Knights), David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (All Huddersfield Giants), Lincoln Withers, Ryan O’Hara (Both Crusaders RL), Mickey Paea (Canterbury Bulldogs), George Griffin (Queabeyan Kangaroos). Out: Peter Fox, Ben Cockayne (both Wakefield Wildcats), Shaun Briscoe (Widnes Vikings), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (Both London Broncos), Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers), Ben Fisher (Batley Bulldogs), Michael Vella (retired). Coach: Craig Sandercock – The Australian takes over from an extremely popular Justin Morgan, so he needs to hit the ground running. The signings of experienced Giants campaigners Horne and Hodgson could prove very wise. Key Man: Shannon McDonnell – Following Sandercock from West Tigers for his first taste of English rugby league, McDonnell will try to fill the void of the departed Briscoe at full-back. Big shoes to fill you would think, but following his assistant coach over could ease him in quickly. Last Season: 7th. Prediction: 6th.
Leeds Rhinos In: Darrell Griffin (Huddersfield Giants), Richard Moore (Crusaders), Luke Briscoe (Hull FC). Out: Keith Senior, Michael Coady (both released), Luke Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ali Lauitiiti, Kyle Amor (Both Wakefield Wildcats), Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights), George Elliott (York City Knights), Callum Casey (Halifax). Coach: Brian McDermott – Got off to a shaky start last season, but got his players into top gear when it mattered. Brought in added forward power with Griffin and Moore who will look to impress. Key Man: Kevin Sinfield – A true leader,
to ensure a successful season for the Warriors. St Helens can offset the loss of Pryce and Kyle Eastmond, last year’s first-choice half-backs who made little impact due to injury, but they could struggle to plug the hole created by the departure of James Graham. Saints have signed Anthony Laffranchi and will no doubt get more out of Josh Perry, who had a wretched first season in England, but if any player is irreplaceable t h e n i t i s t h e i n s p i rat i o n a l Graham. However, the vastly-experienced L a n c e H o h a i a i s a s h r e wd acquisition who can help young half-backs Jonny Lomax and Lee Gaskell realise their potential, and Saints will have home comforts at
Sinfield turned his men around to pull off the impossible last season to lift the Super League trophy. Along with his incredible kicking game, Sinfield will be looking to steer his men yet again to silverware. Last Season: 5th (Super League champions). Prediction: 2nd.
London Broncos In: Michael Robertson, Shane Rodney (both Manly), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both Hull KR), Michael Witt, Mark Bryant (both Crusaders), Craig Gower (Aviron Bayonnais RU), Antonio Kaufusi (Newcastle Knights), Julien Rinaldi, Jarrad Hickey (both Wakefield Wildcats), William Stewart (Belfast HarlequIn). Out: Rob Purdham (retired), Luke Gale (Bradford Bulls), Oliver Wilkes, Andy Ellis (both Wakefield Wildcats), Luke Ambler (Leeds Rhinos loan return), Karl Pryce (Bradford Bulls), Danny Ward, Dave Williams, Nick Kouparitsas, Mark Calderwood, Mike Burnett (all released). Coach: Rob Powell – The youngest coach in Super League, Powell defied many who had tipped his side (known as Harlequins last season) to finish bottom to come in a hard-earned 12th position. Powell, now in his second season as coach, will be hoping to build on this and propel the team from the capital up Super League. Key Player: Michael Witt – A new addition to the Broncos side for the forthcoming campaign, Witt was a stand-out performer for previous club Crusaders RL last season. His season was cut short due to injury however, so Witt will be hoping to make up for lost time with his new club. An experienced scrum-half/stand-off, many of London’s tries you will expect to come through the Australian. Last Season: 12th. Prediction: 14th.
Salford City Reds In: Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers (both Wakefield Wildcats), Joel Moon (New Zealand Warriors), Shannan McPherson (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jordan James (Crusaders), Matty Ashurst (St Helens). Out: Mark Henry (retired), Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves), Rob Parker (Leigh Centurions). Coach: Phil Veivers – The Australian came to take over Salford late on last season but made a good impact to take the City Reds to 11th in the Super League by the end of the season. With his own additions being drafted in through the close season, former Giants captain Veivers will now want his team to step it up a level for the forthcoming campaign.
GIANTS in Super League XVII
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
up heat their splendid new Langtree Park after spending 2011 as tenants at Widnes. Defending champions Leeds must offset the loss of Danny Buderus but, after their heroics of 2011, the Rhinos can never be written off, while Huddersfield will be aiming to send coach Nathan Brown back to Australia on a high note. Both Hull clubs are sure to be competitive under new coaches, although Rovers have suffered two devastating injury blows with the loss of last year’s Player of the Year Blake Green and new captain Ben Galea to injury for at least the first two months. The big improvers in 2012 ought to be London Broncos, who are pushing the boat out by spending
up to the salary cap following their rebranding and acquiring a host of experienced players. A f t e r s p e n d i n g h i s e n t i re coaching career in England on the west of the Pennines, Ian Millward will be hoping to make an impression at Castleford, but he will be hampered by having to operate on a shoestring budget. As with St Helens, Salford will be hoping to gain a boost from moving into a new stadium, while Widnes will simply be aiming to win a few games in their first season back in the top flight. The Vikings’ hefty close-season recruitment has been surpassed only by Wakefield, who will be an unknown quantity under new coach Richard Agar after making no fewer than 18 new signings.
Key Man: Luke Patten – The experienced Australian, now in his second season with Salford, will yet again prove to be a key player. Not only will his defence be relied on, but his contribution to the scoreboard to match, after the full-backs five tries last year. Last Season: 11th. Prediction: 10th.
St Helens
In: Lance Hohaia (New Zealand Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Flanagan (West Tigers). Out: Kyle Eastmond (Bath RU), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Leon Pryce (Catalan Dragons), Matty Ashurst (Salford City Reds), Scott Moore (Widnes Vikings). Coach: Royce Simmons – The former West Tigers assistant coach nearly won silverware in his first season with the Saints, reaching the Grand Final only to lose out to Leeds Rhinos. But with a year under his belt at the club, Simmons will have adapted to the league and therefore feel even closer to winning it. Key Man: Jonny Lomax – Coming off the back of winning the Super League Young Player of the Year, Lomax will now be considered one of Saints’ key players going into the upcoming season. The versatile youngster has already set the league alight and hasn’t looked back – and he hasn’t even come close to his best. Last Season: 3rd (Play-off finalists). Prediction: 1st.
Wakefield Wildcats
In: Peter Fox, Ben Cockayne (both Hull KR), Andy Ellis, Oliver Wilkes (Both HarlequIn RL), Vince Mellars (Crusaders), Ali Lauitiiti, Kyle Amor (both Leeds Rhinos), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Dean Collis, Tim Smith (Both Cronulla Sharks), Danny Washbrook (Hull FC), Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond, Kyle Wood (all Huddersfield Giants), Isaac John (New Zealand Warriors), Matt James (Barrow Raiders), Richard Mathers (Castleford Tigers, loan), Paul Aiton (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks). Out: Matt Blaymire, Glenn Morrison (both retired), Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy (all Huddersfield Giants), Julien Rinaldi, Jarrad Hickey (Both London Broncos), Chris Dean (Widnes Vikings), Ben Gledhill (Salford City Reds), Paul King (York City Knights), Michael Korkidas, Semi Tadulala (both Keighley Cougars), Sammy Masselot (Villeneuve Leopards), Liam HiggIn (Sheffield Eagles), Kevin Penny (Swinton Lions), Josh Vievers, Stuart Howarth (Salford City Reds), Kevin Henderson (Montpellier), Jeremy Smith, Kieran Hyde, Ryan Tongia (all released). Coach: Richard Agar – The former Hull FC
OUR EXPERTS’ PREDICTIONS Chris Roberts
1: Warrington Wolves 2: St Helens 3: Leeds Rhinos 4: Huddersfield Giants 5: Wigan Warriors 6: Catalan Dragons 7: Hull FC 8: Castleford Tigers Champions: Huddersfield Giants! Dark Horse: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
SUPER LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR 1996: Champions: St Helens (runners-up: Wigan).
Peter Barrow
coach takes over at Wakefield replacing his once mentor John Kear. A major overhaul of both players coming and going through the close season has meant virtually a total rebuild of the team, leaving Agar with his work cut out. Agar didn’t get the full potential out of a promising Hull FC outfit, but will he be able to so with a new-look Wildcats squad? Key Man: Richard Mathers – Although initially signed on a season-long loan deal, Mathers still has plenty of time to make an impact at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium after his surprise omission by the Castleford Tigers. His vast experience in both the Super League and NRL will be beneficial in a much-changed Wakefield team for this season. Last Season: 13th. Prediction: 11th.
Warrington Wolves
In: Stefan Ratchford (Salford City Reds), Daniel Bridge (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Leigh Centurions), Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers). Out: Louis Anderson (Catalan Dragons), Matt King (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jon Clarke (Widnes Vikings), Lee Mitchell (Castleford Tigers, loan). Coach: Tony Smith – The ex-Huddersfield, Leeds and England man is regarded as one of the most experienced coaches in Super League and knows the way to victory. Smith was so close to that last season in finishing top of the league, however Warrington faltered in the play-offs so this season he will be wanting to take his team one further. Key Man: Joel Monaghan – The younger brother of teammate Michael, the 29-year-old hit the ground running in his debut season at the club in 2011. The Australian international possesses all the attributes of an ideal centre/winger and with 24 tries in 26 appearances so far for Warrington, Monaghan will be expected to carry on this electric form into 2012. Last Season: 1st (Play-off semi-finalists). Prediction: 3rd.
Widnes Vikings
In: Ben Cross (Wigan Warriors), Hep Cahill, Lloyd White, Frank Winterstein, Rhys Hanbury (all Crusaders), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford Bulls), Ben Davies (Wigan Warriors), Chris Dean (Wakefield Wildcats), Willie Isa (Castleford Tigers), Jon Clarke (Warrington Wolves), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Scott Moore (St Helens). Out: Anthony Thackeray, James Ford (York City Knights), Kirk Netherton (Castleford, loan return), Chris Gerard, Richard Varkulis, Matt Gardner (all Leigh Centurions), Danny Hulme,
1: Warrington Wolves 2: Wigan Warriors 3: St Helens 4: Leeds Rhinos 5: Huddersfield Giants 6: Catalan Dragons 7: Castleford Tigers 8: Hull FC Champions: Warrington Dark Horse: Wakefield (here’s hoping!)
Chris Lunt (Crusaders RL), Chaz I’Anson (Swinton Lions), Tangi Ropati (Featherstone Rovers), James Coyle (Barrow Raiders), Steve Tyrer (Halifax), Dean Gaskell, Gareth Haggerty, Shane Grady, Greg Scott, Daniel Heckenberg, Danny Sculthorpe, Dave Houghton (all released). Coach: Denis Betts – The former Wigan great will lead the Widnes team back into Super League after recent years spent rebuilding in the Co-operative Championship. Betts has spent time coaching with Rugby Union’s Gloucester so he will feel he has what it takes to cut it in Super League. And with Paul Cullen in place as a director at the club, Betts will have a great set-up around him to impress for the forthcoming season. Key Man: Scott Moore – Will prove to be a fantastic acquisition for the Vikings in their first year back into the Super League. His experience for a 23-year-old is almost unheard of, having already represented the likes of St Helens, Castleford and Huddersfield in Super League, and he will no doubt prove vital for a Widnes team containing players who haven’t played at this level. An exciting player who is extremely versatile, Moore will make the Vikings tick. Last Season: N/A. Prediction: 13th.
Wigan Warriors
In: Epalahame Lauaki (Hull FC), Gil Dudson, Ben Flower (Crusaders), Rhodri Lloyd (South Wales Scorpions), Anthony Gelling (Auckland Vulcans). Out: Martin Gleeson, Eamon O’Carroll (both Hull FC), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm), Ben Cross, Ben Davies (both Widnes Vikings), Paul Deacon, Andy Coley (both retired), Joel TomkIn (Saracens RU). Coach: Shaun Wane – Served as the assistant under previous coach Michael Maguire for the last two years, which has provided the ideal experience and preparation to take on the Super League hotseat. Wane even took temporary charge for two games last season, both of which they won, showing he clearly has the know-how of the team and will fit into his new position with total ease. Key Man: Sam Tomkins – 2011 was another outstanding year for Tomkins, claiming the Super League’s top try scorer award (28), Club Player of the Year Award, Players Player and Coaches Player of the Year Award. To add to this, he was shortlisted for the Man of Steel award, then nothing more really has to be said about the breath taking fullback. Expect more fireworks again this time around. Last Season: 2nd (Play-off semi-finalists). Prediction: 5th.
Guide by JORDAN GAINES
■ 2006 WINNERS: St Helens
1997: Champions: Bradford (runners-up: London Broncos). 1998: League Leaders: Wigan; Grand Final winners: Wigan (runners-up: Leeds). 1999: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Bradford). 2000: League Leaders: Wigan; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Wigan). 2001: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Wigan). 2002: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Bradford). 2003: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Wigan). 2004: League Leaders: Leeds; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: Bradford). 2005: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Leeds). 2006: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Hull). 2007: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens). 2008: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens). 2009: League Leaders: Leeds; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens). 2010: League Leaders: Wigan; Grand Final winners: Wigan (runners-up: St Helens). 2011: League Leaders: Warrington; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens).
■ LAST TIME OUT: Leeds Rhinos
GIANTS in Super League XVII
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
By CHRIS ROBERTS RL Writer chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk
JUST which of the new Giants signings will make the biggest impact in Super League XVII?
Jason Chan, Greg Eden, Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy and Tony Tonks have all been recruited for the 2012 campaign. Utility backs George and Murphy, along with hooker or half-back Lee, have made the switch from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, while back-row forward Chan joins from Crusaders RL, utility back Eden has come from Castleford and prop Tonks moves up from Featherstone Rovers where he starred for the club in last season’s Grand Final-winning Co-operative Championship campaign. Papua New Guinea international Chan is arguably the biggest recruit, and in the Giants’ two main pre-season clashes at Castleford Tigers and Wigan Warriors he was clearly a leading light. But the 27-year-old knows there’s still far more to come. “Overall, I was fairly happy with the way I played in the trials,” said Chan, who signed a three-year Giants deal. “I thought there were some good bits to my game and some not-so-good bits, so I know I’ve still got some work to do. “But, to be honest, I never expected it to be perfect. “After all, these were the first games I’ve played with my new teammates, so there was a lot for me to get used to. “Fortunately, it helps when you’re working with such a great set of lads who’ve made it so easy for me to settle in and be part of the squad. I’ve just felt so comfortable here from day one. “As soon as I walked through the door the boys welcomed me with open arms, while I’ve learned an incredible amount off the coaches. “The club has also helped get me fixed up with a house in Mirfield for my wife, young daughter and myself, as well as sort out a car and things like that, so I’d have to say my first few months here have exceeded all expectations. “It’s certainly made me even more excited about playing for the Giants in Super League.”
■ FRESH FACES: Huddersfield signings (from left) Greg Eden, Luke George, Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy, Tony Tonks and Jason Chan will be hoping to make big impacts
NEW FACES WITH GIANT CHALLENGE
Former Hull junior Lee has also been bowled over by his first few months at the Galpharm. The 23-year-old has arrived in Huddersfield for 2012 and has already set his heart and staying around for longer. “Everything about this place has really impressed me,” said Lee, who can also play half-back or loose-forward. “In fact, I already know I want to stay here a lot longer.
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“I’ve only signed a one-year contract, so the pressure’s on for me to make a positive impression as quickly as possible. “I’m fully aware how big a challenge I face to establish myself, because everyone in my position is an international, and the back-up players are, too! “But I’m happy with that. There’s no better way of improving your game than having competition for places, and that’s clearly what we’ve got. “I do regard the Giants as being one of the top clubs, and I’m really excited about the season ahead. “I really hope this season is just the start for me here.” In contrast, his former Wakefield teammates, George and Murphy, has arrived on two and four-year deals respectively. And for the 24-year-old George, he does feel as if he’s coming ‘home’, having been born in Huddersfield and begun his professional career in the Giants Academy. “Coming back to Huddersfield is a dream move,” said George, whose father Wilf played at Fartown and Halifax. “I’d have been happy staying at Wakefield, but the chance to re-join my hometown club at a time when they are back as one of the top clubs in the game was simply too good to miss. “Although I’ve been away from Huddersfield for five years, I’ve always remained good mates with Leroy (Cudjoe), Michael (Lawrence) and Jermaine (McGillvary), who are also from the town, and it’s been great to train alongside them again. “I was in the Academy with Leroy and Michael before Wakefield came in with a fantastic offer for me at the time, and I’ve seen the way they have developed under the Giants system. “They’re already fantastic players and are continuing to develop all the time, and I hope that proves to be the case with me as well. “Being part of the same team as them in Super League is something I find incredibly exciting”. But for Murphy, the start of his time at the Giants has been more frustrating. As soon as the 23-year-old arrived at the Galpharm, he went into rehabilitation to continue his recovery from major wrist surgery. Fortunately, he joined up with the full squad two weeks before the start of the season and is relishing his time ahead. “I’ve come to the Giants because it’s always been my aim to join a top-four club that’s capable of challenging for silverware,” said the Churwell-based Murphy. “And that’s why I felt coming to Huddersfield was my best move. “I knew they were keen on signing me earlier in the year, but I wanted to stick it out with my Wakefield teammates and help them for the season.
“I did that, and then I felt 100% ready to move on, which I’m glad I’ve done. “My rehab has gone as well as I could have hoped, which I can partly put down to the quality of the staff here, as well as the fantastic facilities we have at our disposal. “Everything about this club makes you appreciate it’s one of the best there is, whether it’s in terms of the facilities, the coaching or the quality of player there is in the squad. “This is a great place to be!” Those sentiments were echoed by the 21-year-old Eden, who are already feels the top-class Giants set-up has helped make him a better player. “I’m feeling really good about myself at the moment,” said Eden, who made two Super League appearances for Castleford, as well as having a spell in Australia with top country club Temora Dragons. “Pre-season training has been fantastic and I’m sure I’ve benefited from it. “The sessions at the Giants are probably a bit more intense than they were at Cas. There’s more shorter and sharper sessions here. “As a result, I’ feel my levels of fitness have improved, which I know is going to prove very important. “I’ve set myself a target of at least 10 Super League games this season – and at a club I know can seriously challenge for some silverware. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve come here on a two-year deal. I did have the option of staying at Cas, but for my future career I thought making this move could bring more reward.” Eden has admitted leaving the Tigers was a tough decision to take, although arguably not as tough as the 26-year-old Tonks, who quit his council job to take up his one-year Giants contract. Tonks’ outstanding form throughout the season made him hot Super League property, but the 26-year-old former Wakefield and Bradford Academy man knows he’s joined the right club. “I’m happy the contract is just for one year, it’s what I expected,” said Tonks. “That’s because I’ve got to prove I’m now ready to play at Super League level, which is something I’m looking forward to doing. “It’s just a case of taking my chance and showing everyone at the club what I can do. It’s up to me, nobody else. “That’s a challenge that excites me, and I believe the Giants are the perfect club to help to bring the best out of me and show I’ve now developed into a Super League player. “The training has been tough and intense, but also really enjoyable, and I can tell how much my fitness has improved over the past few months. “It’s now a case of taking it onto the field and proving to everyone that Super League is the place I deserve to be.”