STANLEY GENE will try his best to beat the Giants with Bradford Bulls tonight and then thank his former chairman for giving him one of the biggest breaks in his career!
The 31-year-old Papua New Guinean international admits he hasn't had the chance to meet up with Huddersfield supremo Ken Davy since his quick-fire move to Odsal at the end of last season.
That's something Gene is keen to do.
And he is planning to seek out the chairman tomorrow night and personally thank him for his support over the years.
But Gene is intending the meeting will take place after the Bulls have secured the Super League points against his former employer!
"I had several big regrets about leaving the Giants, and one of them was not having the chance to thank Ken and his wife, Jennifer, for all his support over the years." said Gene.
"He gave me my chance when things weren't going right at Hull and, as a result, I went on to have five fantastic years at Huddersfield.
"Ken was away when the deal went through and he was also away when Bradford played at Huddersfield in pre-season, so I still haven't seen him since the switch.
"That's something I want to change tonight.
"I intend telling him how much I valued his support and how nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see the Giants get into the play-offs for the first time.
"Obviously, I hope they don't have one of their better days tonight. I'm now a Bulls player and getting a win for Bradford is all that matters.
"I know that's something Ken hopes doesn't happen, and I also know my son, Elliot (he is nine later this month), feels the same. I'm now a Bradford Bull, but he's still a Giant and has got the home and away shirt!
"Yes, Huddersfield Giants are still very close to my heart, and always will be, but tonight I will give my all for the Bulls."
Gene's non-stop style has already endeared himself to the Bradford fans.
He grabbed a vital try in the Bulls' magnificent 20-18 triumph at Leeds Rhinos on Thursday, and he is thoroughly enjoying himself at Odsal.
"I've played in every game for the Bulls this season, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the role of coming off the bench and making an immediate impact," he added.
"It was a bit different at Leeds the other night when I started the game when Ian Henderson was taken ill on the way to the game and I ended up playing 70 minutes.
"To be honest, it couldn't have started any better for me.
"I've been very lucky to have been at four great clubs (he began his career at Hull KR) and got on so well with the fans at them all.
"I just hope the supporters continue to get behind me at the Bulls and we can go on to retain our Super League title."
It is becoming increasingly unlikely that Brian Noble will be at the helm if that happens, with his switch to Wigan expected to be confirmed shortly.
That is expected to be one of the main talking points at Odsal tonight.
But Gene believes that wouldn't create any major problems.
"If Nobby does go, I don't think it will create any major disruption," he added.
"It's obvious my mate, Steve McNamara, is being groomed for the job, and he'll be great at it."
