Lolesi returns for Huddersfield Giants with St Helens

Mar 26 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Paul Whatuira

JAMAHL LOLESI is back for the Giants and determined to savour even more Super League success over St Helens on Sunday.

The 28-year-old former New Zealand Test ace missed Saturday’s 32-18 top-flight triumph at Harlequins in order to recover from a couple of niggles picked up in the win over champions Leeds Rhinos the week before when Lolesi was the captain for the day.

As a result, the utility back is feeling refreshed and ready to lead the way as Huddersfield bid to make it four wins on the trot at home to Saints.

“I can’t wait for this one,” he said.

“I could probably have played at Quins if needed, but the decision was taken to give me a week’s rest and I feel I’ve benefited from it.

“Hopefully, that will be reflected in the way I play this weekend.

“It’s fantastic being a part of this squad, and I’d love to think I can be a part of a Huddersfield side that can back up that win over Leeds in our last home game with another big win at the Galpharm against Saints on Sunday.

“It was a great honour leading out the team against Leeds the other week, but it was even better beating them, because that’s the first time I’ve experienced it in five years at the club.

“It was a fantastic feeling, and on the back of another good week on the training pitch we’re confident we can get the job done.”

Lolesi is expected to return at centre, alongside fellow Kiwi three-quarter Paul Whatuira, picture, who also missed the Quins win with a hamstring strain.

That will enable Lee Gilmour and Stephen Wild, the starting centres last weekend, to move back into the second row and fill the very sizeable gap left by David Fa’alogo, who is out for two games with a hamstring injury.