Huddersfield Giants' David Faiumu on his 99 appearances so far - and why his 100th must be a win

DAVID FAIUMU is hoping to celebrate his 100th Huddersfield Giants appearance by firing his side into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Super League leaders Huddersfield host Co-operative Championship club Swinton in the fifth round as the red-hot favourites to make further progress.

With Nathan Brown planning to field a strong side against the Lions, Faiumu is hoping to play a major role as the Giants look to close in on a place in the last eight.

The 28-year-old would love to mark a century of Huddersfield games by taking the Giants a step closer to a Wembley final appearance in rugby league’s most famous knockout competition.

And having been in the side that was beaten by Warrington Wolves in the 2009 final, Faiumu is even more determined to see his side play well this weekend.

“To play 100 games for the Giants is something I’ll always cherish and honour,” said Faiumu.

“And in the 99 games I’ve played so far, going to Wembley for the 2009 Challenge Cup final has to be the highlight. It was a real phenomenal occasion.

“So it’d be great to play a big part in taking us a step closer to making a return on my 100th appearance.

“I’ve enjoyed my time over here and I’ve enjoyed playing for the club through the ups and downs. I’ve experienced some fantastic highlights here and I want to add to them.

“This is definitely a big year for us to try and stamp our mark in all competitions and make a big statement.

“If we can keep doing the little things right, keep our focus and keep our goals in mind then we can go a long way to accomplish the things we are trying to achieve.

“Reaching the Wembley final is obviously a big goal of ours, and one we know is achievable.”

Added Faiumu: “We’ve grown as a club and as players, and we’re now starting to witness what he had in mind all those years back when I first got here.

“If it’s possible, we want to win everything this year, but we know the Challenge Cup is a competition we’re capable of winning.

“At the moment we’ll be focusing on the Challenge Cup and hope to progress to the next round, but we’ll also keep the Super League in mind.

“While there are quite a few people trying to knock-us off our perch and play us down, we don’t mind that.

“We’re here to do what we do and, for me, let the haters hate. We’ll keep plugging away week by week, not get too ahead of ourselves and stay quietly confident.”