GIANTS fans were rocked today by the news that Brandon Costin will miss the rest of the season and Steve McNamara is to leave the club.

Costin will undergo an operation on Friday after snapping a ligament in a shoulder, while McNamara is to join the coaching staff at Bradford Bulls after failing to secure a Giants playing contract for next season.

And the news is expected to hit the Huddersfield faithful hard.

Costin was expected to play a vital role in the Giants' continued push for a top six play-off spot and many had championed McNamara as a potential assistant coach to in-coming McAlpine chief Jon Sharp.

But now neither will happen - much to the disappointment of Giants chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

"This is disappointing news all round," said Rimmer.

"When Brandon went off to the specialist yesterday afternoon no-one expected the outcome to be as serious as this.

"I think it's left us all feeling a little stunned.

"And I'm sure everyone will feel the same way about the news concerning Steve.

"I know he was bitterly disappointed not to be offered a new playing contract, but we had begun informal talks about a possible place on our coaching staff.

"But he had a firm offer on the table to join the coaching staff at Bradford, and it was an offer he simply couldn't refuse.

"After four fantastic years with the Bulls earlier in his career, Odsal is his spiritual home and the fans still adore him, as the reception he received when we played at Bradford the other week proved.

"I have no doubt that if it had been any other club who had made the offer, we might have been able to retain his services.

"We fully accept Steve's reasons for leaving, just as he accepts our reasons for not offering him a new player contract.

"And I know that he will continue to give 100% in his remaining five games.

"I think it is only right to pay tribute to Steve over the magnificent contribution he has made to the Giants, both on and off the field, over the years.

"He has played a massive part in our development over the past few years and we owe him a great deal."

McNamara will be expected to play a major role as the Giants look to maintain their play-off bid with victory at home to Wakefield on Sunday.

But Giants head coach Tony Smith admits the loss of Super League top tryscorer Costin hits those hopes hard.

"Brandon's a quality player and our major strike weapon," said Smith.

"But I have no doubt that whoever takes Brandon's place will make the most of their opportunity and make sure we stay on track. I have complete faith in all my boys.

"The important thing for Brandon now is to undergo his operation and make sure he's right for the start of next season.

"That has to be his No1 priority now."

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