Huddersfield Giants coach Nathan Brown will loan out Super League youngsters

Nov 19 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

And Brown has been encouraged by the initial signs.

“You can almost guarantee rugby league players will turn up for the start of pre-season training in reasonable shape, and that’s the case with this group,” added Brown.

“Obviously, you don’t want the players to be at their peak fitness just yet, but there’s no reason why they won’t be when the season gets under way.”

Those who have been able to take a full part in this week’s work included New Zealand Test centre Paul Whatuira, who is recovering well after spending two weeks in a secure mental health unit in Bradford, and the fit-again Kevin Brown.

The Giants stand-off has made an excellent recovery from the knee injury he suffered in the Challenge Cup final against Warrington at Wembley and is already looking sharp on the training ground.

Those still to get down to business on the training ground are new signing Brad Drew, Danny Kirmond and Stephen Wild, who are recovering from knee surgery, while Simon Finnigan remains sidelined after a shoulder operation followed by one on his neck.

New recruits David Fa’alogo and Lee Gilmour are soon to arrive, along with hooker David Faiumu, with captain and Man of Steel Brett Hodgson staying in Australia until after Christmas.