NATHAN BROWN is ready to bring back three key Giants for Sunday’s Magic Weekend clash against Super League leaders Wigan at Edinburgh.
Luke Robinson, Andy Raleigh and Martin Aspinwall were all rested for Sunday’s 38-10 triumph at Crusaders, but are eager to return for Murrayfield.
Although a final decision on the 17 won’t be taken until later in the week, Brown has already hinted all three players are firmly in the frame.
The Giants will, of course, be without captain Brett Hodgson, who is sidelined for a month with a thigh strain – and has now been confirmed as a Warrington player for next season – while Shaun Lunt will be out for two to three weeks with an Achilles injury.
But Brown knows he will still be able to field a strong line-up in what is billed as the best contest in the Magic Weekend programme.
“We were very pleased with what was a professional performance against Crusaders, and it was another game in which everyone contributed,” said Brown, who is continuing to be linked with a move back to Australia to take over at Cronulla Sharks, although he remains contracted to the Giants until the end of 2011.
“But we obviously had one or two blokes being rested to freshen them up for the games we have ahead of us.
“Andy, Luke and Martin played all three games during the Easter period, so last weekend was their time to take a break.
“I suppose it could have been a risk resting these three, because they have all contributed superbly for us this season, and we then lost Brett late in the day.
“Fortunately, we came through the Crusaders game well with a good, solid win and it’s good to know we’ll head into the Wigan game with a number of options and with a relatively fit squad.”
