DEPARTING Brett Hodgson is desperate to collect some silverware this season to crown a magnificent two years at the Giants.

It was confirmed over the weekend that the 32-year-old Huddersfield captain and Super League Man of Steel will leave the Galpharm at the end of the season and is widely expected to join Warrington Wolves for 2011.

The Australian has rejected a one-year Giants’ extension after hoping to stay for a further two seasons.

And although Hodgson has admitted his disappointment at having to move on, it has only increased his desire to savour even more success with Huddersfield before he departs.

“I would have loved to have stayed if at all possible, but things just didn’t work out how I would have wished,” said Hodgson, who led the Giants to their first Wembley Challenge Cup final since 1962 last season.

“My whole family have had an absolute ball in England from the day we first arrived, and we’d set our hearts on staying over here for a further two years, hopefully with Huddersfield.

“But the club made it clear they couldn’t guarantee me two more seasons, and I fully accept that.

“They explained the reasons behind their decision and I’ve no complaints at all about any of what they said. Everything was done professionally and there are no hard feelings.

“I appreciate the club has to be run as a business, and decisions like mine have to be made. I’ve been around the game long enough to know these things happen all the time.”

Added Hodgson: “In fact, what all this has done has increased my desire even further to win something with the club this year.

“The time I’ve had with the Giants are some of the most enjoyable I’ve had at a club for years – that’s why I’m so disappointed it’ll be coming to an end – and it would be a dream to crown my time here with a winners’ medal.

“And I do genuinely believe that could happen.

“I know this side is getting better all the time, and I also know there’s still room for improvement, which is extremely exciting.

“If we do keep continuing to improve I know I’ll have every chance of fulfilling my main aim of finishing at the Giants on a massive high.”

The news of his imminent departure has come as a shock to Huddersfield fans, who were delighted with the form of the former Wests Tigers skipper in his first season with the club.

Hodgson, a former NRL Premiership winner with the Tigers who made six State of Origin appearances for New South Wales, has scored 260 points in 29 appearances for the Giants, becoming only the fourth Australian to win the Man of Steel award.

And Giants managing director Richard Thewlis has explained why Hodgson would be moving.

“It was always our intention to see how Brett was going after the first two months of the season and, as was the case last year, his form is outstanding hence we offered him a contract extension for another year at the club,” he said.

“He wanted the guaranteed security of two years which we were not prepared to do at this stage and, therefore, gave his manager permission to explore the market.

“His manager has informed the club that he can attain two years at other clubs and consequently we expect him to move on at the end of the year. He will leave with our very best wishes and thanks for his time here and will always be welcomed back in the future.”

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