Sharp backing Giants new boys to shine

Nov 10 2007 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GIANTS chief Jon Sharp is backing new signing David Hodgson to be a big hit on his Great Britain return.

And the Galpharm chief also predicts fellow new arrival Paul Whatuira will again stand out in a so-far outclassed New Zealand side.

The two nations clash in the third Gillette Fusion Test at Wigan’s JJB Stadium tonight (6.15), with the Lions looking to triumph and complete a 3-0 whitewash.

It will be the first time Hodgson will have featured in the series – it will be his fourth Great Britain Test cap – while Whatuira has played in all three games.

And Sharp, pictured right, is predicting big things from both of his new recruits for Super League XIII.

“I’m really pleased David is going to get the chance to show what he can do on the international stage tonight,” said Sharp.

“It’s a really positive end to what has been a difficult year for him at Salford (they were relegated from Super League).

“But tonight is a great opportunity for him to make a new start.

“This call is reward for his consistency over the past two or three years, which is richly deserved because he has been one of the best wingers in the competition for quite some time.

“I have no doubt he will take this opportunity with both hands and prove again why he is so highly rated.

“And I also expect Paul to show his class to the British public once again.

“The Kiwis may have struggled this series and were outclassed in last week’s Test at Hull.

“But there’s no doubt Paul is one of the New Zealand players whose reputation has remained firmly intact.

“Even in a side that has spent so much time on the back foot, he has looked a class act.

“He’s got superb all-round skills.”