GIANTS officials are hoping the news Shaun Lunt will be staying at the Galpharm will be followed up with a big home Super League win over St Helens tomorrow (5.00).
England hooker Lunt yesterday pledged the next four seasons to Huddersfield to end speculation he could be heading to the Australian NRL.
The news is a massive boost to the Giants ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with the in-form Saints.
And managing director Richard Thewlis believes the announcement is another sign of the growing strength of the Giants.
“This is tremendous news,” said Thewlis.
“I just hope the supporters turn out in great numbers tomorrow for our game against St Helens and give Lunty the reception and congratulations he thoroughly deserves.
“The recruitment and retention long-term of players who really want to wear the claret and gold and be part of something very special down here is a continual process at all age groups from Scholarship to Super League.
“And I’m sure everyone will be delighted that Shaun is a Giant for the foreseeable future.
“He gives this club another high-quality international player with a long-term commitment to go alongside Luke Robinson, Kevin Brown and Danny Brough in the pivotal positions and Eorl Crabtree up front.
“This has to be good for our short and long-term success.
“I also expect us to be making further announcements in the not-too-distant future which will further strengthen our playing roster.”
Lunt is expected to be in a Giants side against Saints that shows several changes from the one that struggled to beat Batley in the Challenge Cup fourth round at Mount Pleasant on Sunday.
And Brown is delighted Lunt will be staying in the claret and gold colours for a great deal longer.
“This is great news all round for the club,” he said.
“To see him sign for the Giants from Workington and see him progress to play for England and extend his time here is good news for the club and for Lunty.
“The more good English players the club can sign the better. To see him and Robbo working together along with Kev (Brown) and Broughy long-term can only help the club to prosper.
