Huddersfield Giants have lost the services of a second experienced international forward in the space of 24 hours.

As well as England back-row forward Brett Ferres picking up a five-match suspension last night for a dangerous throw during the controversial Challenge Cup defeat to St Helens, Giants chief Paul Anderson has confirmed today that ex-Kiwi Test star David Faiumu has been allowed to return to his native New Zealand for family reasons.

Faiumu has been granted compassionate leave and is not expected to return for around a month.

But while losing the key duo is a massive blow, it’s not all bad news for the Giants, with Anderson revealing England centre Leroy Cudjoe has responded remarkably to treatment on his injured ankle and could be back next week for the busy Easter programme. When he suffered the injury against Warrington 10 days ago, it was feared he could be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

And explosive forward Larne Patrick, who suffered a knee injury in the opening night win at Wigan in February, is also nearing a return.

“The news on Leroy and Larne is very positive, and Easter is definite a realistic target for both of them,” said Anderson.

“But it’s obviously disappointing in regards to Brett and Fuey.

“In the case of Brett, the outcome could have been a lot worse, and with him out, we’ve drafted Jacob Fairbank into the squad for Hull for tomorrow.

“And there’s no way we would have stood in the way of Fuey. He’s gone back for family reasons, but he wanted to wait until after our Challenge Cup game before returning home.”

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