GREAT BRITAIN success against New Zealand tonight could hold the key to major Giants involvement in the final Gillette Fusion Test.

Victory for coach Tony Smith’s men at Hull (6.15) would guarantee a first Test series triumph for Great Britain in 14 years.

And if that were to be the case, former Giants chief Smith has already hinted he would be keen to give those members of his squad who have yet to feature in the series the chance to play in the final Test in Wigan in seven days’ time.

They include Giants duo Stephen Wild and David Hodgson, who are obviously desperate to claim Test caps.

“We were both pretty happy with the way we played for the Northern Union in the Test warm-up,” said Hodgson, a recent arrival from Salford City Reds.

“Because we played pretty well in the Test opener last weekend, it was always going top be highly unlikely Tony would make many changes for tonight.

“But, all being well, it will be a different story next week and both Wildy and I can play at Wigan.

“Until then, it’s again a case of training hard and showing the coaching staff we should be included. That would be awesome.”

Meanwhile, members of the Slaithwaite Saracens club will be glued to their Sky TV screens tomorrow to cheer on first-team coach Ritchie Hawkyard, who is in the frame to play alongside Giants prop Paul Jackson for Scotland in their vital World Cup qualifier against Wales in Glasgow (2.00).

Hawkyard, above, was also in the Scotland side that played in last weekend’s warm-up game in France, with Saracens secretary Jonathan Fell proud to have their coach competing on the international stage.

“We’re all delighted for Ritchie and it’s fantastic for our club,” he said.

“It’s not every day an amateur club can say they have their first-team coach in an international squad that’s one game away from qualifying for the World Cup.

“It’s great news for Slaithwaite Saracens and also a big boost for the amateur game in the town.”

David Hodgson will be vying for a wing spot in the final Test with Hull’s Gareth Raynor and Ade Gardner of St Helens

STEPHEN WILD the ex-Wigan star is hoping to play at his former ‘home’ at the JJB Stadium in next Saturday’s third Test