Collins the man to make difference

Nov 9 2007 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MARK SOWERBY believes new arrival Tim Collins could prove the missing link in Huddersfield’s bid to secure North I promotion.

The 26-year-old Australian made an immediate impact at his new Lockwood Park home, grabbing two tries in the 18-8 triumph over Liverpool St Helens.

It was a victory that kept coach Sowerby’s men hot on the heels of leaders Kendal.

And the Huddersfield chief is hoping the powerful winger, right, can maintain his debut form and help steer the side to an eighth victory of the season at Hull tomorrow (3.00).

“A player in Tim’s mould is something we’ve been lacking at the club,” said Sowerby.

“He’s a natural finisher, as he underlined with both of his tries on his debut, and his arrival has given everyone a real lift.

“He’s quick on his feet and very powerful, and he’s the sort of player I’ve been wanting to get my hands on for some time.

“It’s already obvious that this season’s competition is going to be very close, and I can see Tim’s finishing ability making a great deal of difference when it comes to sorting out the final positions.

“From what I’ve seen, we look to have got ourselves a cracking player.

“And I’ll have to say a massive ‘thank you’ to my old mate from Wakefield, Aaron Callaghan, who recommended him to me.

“He’s coach at Australian (RU) club Manly and told me that Tim fancied having a go over here and would I be interested.

“I’m really glad I said ‘yes’.

“Hopefully, I’ll be thinking that all season!”

As well as Sowerby having been boosted by the arrival of Collins, he is also encouraged by the current health of the squad.

Apart from Hamish Pratt – still struggling with a torn shoulder muscle – the Huddersfield chief has a full-strength squad at his disposal.

And he believes that could be the key to victory this weekend.

“We’ve developed a good rivalry with Hull over the years and it’s a game we’re obviously desperate to win to keep hold of second spot,” he added.

“But with competition for places so strong, everyone knows they need to play well to keep their place in the side. That’s the way it should.”

Huddersfield: Ainsworth; Shaw, Paxman (B), Mortimore, Collins; Johnson, Clayton; Howard, Gough, Stringwell, Rhodes, Harris, Hinchliff, Whitehead, Sowerby. Subs: McPhail, Sharrock, Paxman (L).