I’ll relish Giants challenge

Jan 11 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HULL prop Paul King believes the Giants will give his side a major pre-season test – because he is tipping them to mount another serious Super League play-off challenge.

Huddersfield reached the play-offs for the first time last season and suffered a narrow 22-16 defeat against Hull at the KC Stadium in September.

The clubs are ready for a re-match this weekend in King’s testimonial match, with the 28-year-old former Great Britain prop, pictured right, ready for a stiff test.

“Under Jon Sharp, who I rate very highly as a coach, the Giants have always had a tough, hard, physical pack and you know you have to win that battle first to beat them,” he said.

“And even though Sunday’s game is in pre-season, we all know at Hull that it will be another tough battle in the forwards.

“The pack is their foundation and it’s been part of Jon’s plan to make the Giants a force again.

“Like us, they tasted the high life by reaching the Challenge Cup final a couple of years ago. OK, they lost, but like us when we won the Cup in 2005 it was a major breakthrough and proved the club was capable of making the major finals.

“It was something for them to build on and I believe that is exactly what the club and Jon have been doing.

“They don’t have the big money like some clubs, but each year they have improved their squad in quality and strength and, from a club which struggled to retain their Super League place, they have become one to respect and fear.

“After making the play-offs for the first time last season I believe they have every chance of doing it again this year.

“Jon already has good quality players and he has recruited well which, with a bit of luck, will make them even harder to beat.

“I hope they do well, except against us, of course!

“But for now I’d like to thank them for playing in my match. It’s a special day for me, I am a Hull boy, FC means everything to me, and the Giants will always be the team who helped me celebrate.”

King is, in fact, the first player at Hull to be granted a testimonial since Giants coach Jon Sharp, who had 11 years on the east coast.

And the Galpharm chief believes King’s benefit is richly deserved.

“Paul has been a fantastic player for 10 years and I’m delighted we’re able to celebrate with him,” said Sharp.

“Despite several big clubs coming in for him, he’s stayed loyal to the Hull club and this testimonial is a fitting reward.

“On top of that, he’s a cracking lad and an excellent player.”

Tickets for King’s testimonial clash are £14 for adults, £8 seniors and students in full-time education and £6 for Under 16s.

Hull FC: Tony; Byrne, Yeaman, Hall, Raynor; Washbrook, Dykes; Dowes, Berrigan, King, Tickle, Radford, Whiting. Subs: Carvell, Wheeldon, Lee, Houghton, Briscoe, Burnett, Thackray.

Huddersfield Giants: Thorman, Elford, Lolesi, Whatuira, Jensen, Kirmond, Lawrence, Cudjoe, Brown, Robinson, Crabtree, Hudson, Gatis, Skandalis, Raleigh, Wild, Mason, Snitch, Griffin.