Thorman hails Giants faithful as supporters rally to cause

PROUD Giants captain Chris Thorman has hailed the support of the fans at the start of Super League XI.

Around 600 fans travelled to Headingley for the opener against Leeds Rhinos on February 12, while there were almost 6,500 Huddersfield supporters in a Galpharm crowd of 8,104 for the game against Warrington Wolves the following week.

There were also several hundred at Friday's disappointing clash at Wigan Warriors, with a large number gearing up to make the short trip to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats this Saturday.

And the strong following is something that hasn't gone unnoticed among the players, with Thorman acknowledging that the vocal support does make a difference.

"On behalf of all the lads, I would like to thank the fans for the way they have been getting behind us," said the 25-year-old goalkicking stand-off, pictured in action at Leeds.

"To hear the supporters cheering when you take to the field really does give everyone a real buzz and puts an extra spring in your step.

"When you know you've got so many fans behind you, it certainly makes you try that extra bit harder.

"It makes you even more determined to do it for the faithful.

"In the games so far the backing has been fantastic, but it was the one at the Galpharm last Sunday that has made the biggest impression among the players.

"The atmosphere that day was something to behold.

"I've obviously played my fair share of games at the stadium over the years, and I've never known the place to be buzzing the way it was that day.

"When we got back into the changing rooms at the end of the game one of the most talked-about things was the crowd and the way they got behind us. There's no doubt it made a big difference.

"And what also struck us was seeing so many young fans in the crowd, and that certainly makes you want to achieve more.

"To see the kids with beaming faces is fantastic, and to know it's us, the players, that have made them so happy is a brilliant feeling."

Thorman and the rest of the Giants know it's down to them to make sure the fans keep on coming by producing quality Super League performances.

And with the fans behind them, the team leader knows that's possible.

"The fans really do play a big part in helping us win games. Their cheering does give us a huge psycholigical lift," he added.

"As a team, we know we can get much, much better, and with the supporters continuing to get behind us, that's exactly what we'll do."