Big things expected from Giants wingers

Jan 17 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WATCH THEM FLY!

NATHAN BROWN is hoping for big things from his two international wingers as the Giants begin the final countdown to Super League XIV.

Martin Aspinwall and David Hodgson will both play their first games of the year tomorrow in the pre-season clash at Castleford Tigers (3.30).

They could then feature at home to Wigan the following Sunday and be involved in the match at Batley on February 1 before attentions turn to the Super League opener against Catalans Dragons in France on Saturday, February 14.

And Brown admits that’s a big bonus, with both men having missed all of the last pre-season and half the Super League campaign after undergoing major knee operations.

“I can imagine it must have been pretty tough for (former coach) Jon Sharp this time last year,” admitted Brown.

“Hodgy and Aspy were both nowhere near being fit, while Kevin Brown had just recovered from shoulder surgery and Stephen Wild was in a similar situation after having had an operation on a wrist injury.

“But this time around, all four have been able to participate in virtually every single training session, and are looking good on the back of it.

“I’m obviously delighted about that, and particularly so for our two wingers.

“The start of last year must have been nightmare for them, knowing that they would be missing at least half the season.