Paul Anderson has paid tribute to the contribution of David Faiumu during his seven years at the Giants.

The 31-year-old former New Zealand Test hooker played his 152nd and final Giants game in Friday’s 18-16 home play-off defeat to Catalan Dragons.

That loss signalled the end of Huddersfield’s 2014 campaign, with Faiumu now planning to return to Australia with his family.

The utility forward is known to have been considering his future in England for some time, and earlier in the season was allowed to return to New Zealand on compassionate grounds.

He quickly returned to Huddersfield to fulfil his Giants’ obligations, with Anderson admitting his presence will be missed around the John Smith’s Stadium.

“Fuey’s a credit to himself and his family,” said Anderson.

“Throughout his time at the club he has been a great professional.

“There’s no question he’s done it tough over the last 18 months – and this year in particular – with a couple of bad injuries and other stuff.

“But he made a decision about six weeks ago that, because we needed him, he’d just spend the rest of his time here.

“And during that time he’s contributed massively to many of the positive things we’ve done leading up to the play-offs

“Fuey’s something special, isn’t he? It’s tough to see him go, but unfortunately the time always comes for people to leave clubs.”

Faiumu arrived at the Giants at the end of the 2008 season, and the following year was a member of the Huddersfield side that reached the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

During his time in the Australian NRL he played for North Queensland Cowboys, where he made 76 appearances, including one in the 2005 NRL Grand Final.