Brett Hodgson column: Fingers crossed for new Giants faces

Jun 12 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SO, it’s Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Sunday, and I’m good to go!

After being forced to sit out last Friday’s magnificent home win over Hull KR because of my knee injury, I’ve had a good week’s training and I’m looking forward to getting back onto the field.

But judging by the way the boys went a week ago, I’ve got something of a hard act to follow.

As I’ve said before, I’m a dreadful watcher, and it was more frustrating than ever having to miss last week because of the manner in which I picked up the injury in our Challenge Cup quarter-final triumph over Castleford. The challenge that caused it left a lot to be desired.

Fortunately, however, the manner of the performance did ease some of my personal pain. In a nutshell, the boys were excellent.

I think it’s fair to say it was probably one of the most complete games we’ve played, with one to 17 contributing significantly to the cause across the park.

Defensively, we were very strong, and what chances we did create on attack we were able to take.

Obviously the one downside on the night was losing Danny Kirmond with a fractured cheekbone. He’s been playing well for us, and we’re all hoping he’s out for just the six weeks rather than the full 12.

But while the door has temporarily shut for Danny, it does open for someone else, with several fresh faces coming in this weekend, most notably Liam Fulton (pictured above) and Danny Sculthorpe.

Liam already looks like a certain starter, while Danny is closing in on a debut for us following a move from Wakefield.

We’ve no doubt both players will do a great job for us when they get their chance, and I have to admit I’m looking forward to playing alongside Danny, simply due to the fact I know very little about him and that creates an interesting challenge in itself.

It’s obviously a different matter when it comes to Liam as we were teammates together at Wests Tigers, and I know that when he gets fully fit he’ll be great for us.

We were all gutted when he suffered a knee injury in only his second game for us at Hull KR on Easter Monday, and no-one deserves a better game than him.