Luke O’Donnell signing has given the Huddersfield Giants an immediate Super League boost

Jul 23 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Luke O'Donnell

NATHAN BROWN believes the signing of former Australia Test back-rower Luke O’Donnell has given the Giants a timely boost ahead of the vital end-of-season Super League play-off push.

Huddersfield confirmed earlier in the week the 29-year-old North Queensland Cowboys star had completed a four-year deal for the start of next season.

Brown and the Giants are obviously focusing as much of their attention as possible on this season’s competition, with victory at home to Harlequins on Sunday vital if they are to guarantee a top-eight play-off finish.

But the Galpharm chief knows the prospect of bringing in someone of the calibre of O’Donnell for next year has created an extra buzz around the club, which Brown hopes will be taken onto the pitch this weekend.

“The signing of Luke shows how much this club is continuing to move forward,” said Brown.

“It’s something the players recognise and has already added to the sense of excitement for next season.

“But while it’s excellent to announce something like this, it’s important not to forget we’ve still got some very important games ahead of us this year first. So, in the short term, I hope the excitement about the news on Luke will be reflected in this season’s performances, starting against Harlequins on Sunday.

“It’s another very important game for us, because we know how crucial a win will be in terms of making the play-offs, so we can’t afford to lose our focus.

“The League table doesn’t make good reading for them (Quins are second bottom), but we can’t take too much notice of that.

“They had a horrible start to the year because of injuries, and that really does hit a club like them hard.

“A lot of sides complain about the depth in their squads, but down in London they’ve got less depth than other teams, which means a bad run of injuries can make it twice as hard for them.

“But in the past month they’ve been getting their players back and have claimed a couple of big scalps, which will obviously have boosted their confidence.

“What I like about Harlequins is that they do play some good footy and do things a little different.

“They’re not boring, playing one-out and kick it, they like to attack and challenge you more than some other sides. If their game’s on, they’re as hard to beat as anyone, and we’ve got to make sure we’re prepared for that.

“We know we need to be at our best.”

The sixth-placed Giants head into Sunday’s home clash against the Londoners after last Friday’s heartbreaking last-play 21-20 defeat at Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

Brown has admitted the defeat hit his players hard, but he feels they have responded positively in training this week.