NATHAN BROWN is hoping Tony Tonks will be as good for the Giants as Darrell Griffin.
England prop Griffin has joined Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.
To cover for the front-rower’s departure, the Giants have recruited Tonks, 26, from Featherstone.
Brown is aware Griffin will be a hard act to follow – he came second to Luke Robinson in the Coaches’ Player of the Year vote – but says Tonks has potential.
“Griff has been excellent for the Giants,” said Brown. “His form this season has been very consistent. He’s produced some outstanding games.
“There’s no doubt his presence in the middle of the field will be missed, but we’re confident we have the players more than capable of taking over.”
Brown admits he is hoping former Bradford and Wakefield Academy man Tonks wastes little time proving himself. “Tony has come from a very successful club in Featherstone and we all believe the time has now come for him to step up,” added Brown.
“We’ve certainly not brought him here not to play.
“There’s no doubt he will benefit from working in a full-time environment, and because we’ll have a number of players in re-hab at the start of pre-season training he’ll get some extra attention in strength, conditioning and coaching.
“We’re certainly confident he’ll benefit from being here, just like Griff.”
