Carry on Cudjoe!

Mar 20 2008 By Chris Roberts

GIANTS full-back sensation Leroy Cudjoe is desperate to keep his place at Warrington Wolves tomorrow.

The 19-year-old Huddersfield-born former Newsome Panthers junior produced a superb full Super League debut in Sunday’s controversial 20-19 home defeat to Wigan.

Cudjoe was handed a start in the absence of captain Chris Thorman, who had a rib injury.

Thorman is expected to be fit for the Good Friday assignment to the Halliwell-Jones Stadium (3.00), having been included in the Giants’ 19-man squad, but Cudjoe would love to hold onto his shirt if at all possible.

"I absolutely loved it last weekend and I would love to play against Warrington tomorrow," said Cudjoe, who was a substitute in this season’s Super League opener against Leeds.

"The way it went against Leeds when I came on gave me a lot of confidence. I felt comfortable playing at this level.

"And my performance against Wigan has given me even more confidence. I suppose I was a bit nervous kicking the goals – he landed five out of five – but, at the end of the day, whether you’re playing in front of eight or 8,000 it’s still just a game of rugby.

"Obviously, the result was really disappointing, but I felt I played all right and I hope I did enough to convince Jon (Sharp) to keep me in the side."

The Giants chief admits he has a tough decision to make over who to start at full-back tomorrow, with Thorman’s level of fitness something else he needs to consider.

But whatever option Sharp chooses, he is absolutely delighted with the way Cudjoe has fitted into his Super League life.

"Leroy’s full debut was absolutely awesome," said Sharp, whose only change to last week’s 19-man squad is Thomas Hemingway coming in to replace the suspended Darrell Griffin.

"His positional sense was excellent, he defended well, was a threat with the ball in his hand and kicked with an incredible amount of confidence. I couldn’t have been any happier with him.

"He’s certainly given me something to think about selection-wise, and as head coach I couldn’t ask for anything better than that."