NATHAN BROWN is hoping David Fa’alogo will be available for the Huddersfield Giants’ top-of-the-table Super League clash at Catalan Dragons on Saturday.
The 31-year-old former New Zealand Test back rower has missed his side’s last two games with a slight groin strain.
Galpharm chief Brown had hoped Fa’alogo would be fully fit for Sunday’s 52-0 home Challenge Cup win over Swinton Lions after missing the league win at Bradford Bulls the week before.
And all the signs suggest the former South Sydney enforcer should be back for the trip to the South of France as the Giants look to maintain their two-point lead over Wigan at the top at the expense of fourth-placed Catalan.
“Unfortunately, he was still struggling a bit for Sunday, and we decided it just wasn’t worth taking the risk,” explained Brown.
“It’s one of those injuries where if it had been desperation stakes we could have pushed him along to be involved.
“But after he’d just played five or six games on the bounce we erred on the side of caution. After all, we have got a pretty healthy pack.
“I think it’s also worth noting this injury is nothing to do with his previous back and hamstring trouble. This is more of a minor problem.
“We’ll all be disappointed if he isn’t right for France this week.”
If Fa’alogo is to be included against the Dragons, he could be one of a number of changes to the side that booked a place in this morning’s cup quarter-final draw.
Kevin Brown, Eorl Crabtree, Michael Lawrence, Jermaine McGillvary and Larne Patrick were all rested after featuring in the 20-6 win at Bradford, with Brown hinting all four are expected to be back in contention.
“We’ve got some more tough selection decisions ahead of us,” added Brown.
“There are a number of blokes keen to get back in after sitting out Sunday.
“And with everyone who played in the cup having come through okay, we’re not short on numbers.”
