Darrell Griffin looks to reclaim place

Jul 4 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DARRELL GRIFFIN knows a return to top form is no guarantee of securing a regular starting spot in the senior Giants side.

The 28-year-old prop is ready to face former club Wakefield at the Galpharm Stadium tomorrow (3.00) as the home side look to strengthen their top-four Super League spot.

It’s a contest Griffin is relishing, particularly now he has adjusted to the new role head coach Nathan Brown has given him.

But the England international knows that with the quality of the front-rowers Brown has at his disposal, he can’t take anything for granted.

With Griffin part of a prop union that also includes Eorl Crabtree, Paul Jackson, Keith Mason and Danny Sculthorpe, he knows competition for places couldn’t be higher.

“Even though I was handed a starting shirt number this year (No10), I never automatically assumed I would be a first-choice prop,” said Griffin.

“And, unfortunately, that’s proved the case. This year, I’ve obviously struggled to make the sort of impact I would have liked because of the change in role I’ve been given.

“But I’m starting to adjust to it now, and I know how important that is for me.

“As a club, we’re lucky to have such a great set of front-row forwards, but that does mean that if you’re not performing to your best there’s always someone more than capable of taking your place. That’s obviously happened with me.

“Yet, at the same time, competition for places really does help you dig in and look to improve your game, and I’ve had to do exactly that.

“It was really tough at the start of the year being left out and having to play in the Under 21s, although that was my own choice, but I hope that’s all behind me now and I can look forward with confidence for the rest of the season.

“We’ve got a look of things going for us right now. We’re looking good for a play-off spot and we’ve got the Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens next month. I want to be involved as much as I possibly can.”