INJURED Giants star Darren Turner believes Huddersfield will continue their rise up the Super League ladder, starting with victory against Hull at the KC Stadium on Sunday (3.15).

Turner spoke today for the first time since the news that he will be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and has played his last game for his hometown club.

The 29-year-old hooker admits the news has hit him hard, but he has gained comfort from the fact that he will leave the club in a far healthier state than when he arrived four years ago.

And he has no doubt the Giants' progress will continue with head coach Jon Sharp at the helm.

"It's been fantastic to be a part of Huddersfield's revival," said Turner, who will undergo a knee reconstruction next Thursday and is already looking to resume his playing career with a new club in 2005.

"When I arrived as part of the merger with Sheffield in 2000, the club was struggling.

"But slowly since then, it's just got better and better, and we're now looking in a good position to finish in Super League's top six.

"That's a fantastic achievement, and I would like to think I've played some very small part in making that possible.

"What is the most painful part about knowing I'll be leaving is that it's obvious the Giants are going to get bigger and bigger, and I'm going to miss out on seeing that process continuing.

"But I've got nothing but praise for the way the club have been with me during this tough time.

"They are sticking by me, will see out the rest of my contract for the season and given me the chance to work with the Under 21s under Lee St Hilaire while I'm doing my rehabilitation work at the club.

"This will be great experience for the future."

Turner intends cheering on the Giants from the sidelines for the rest of the season.

But he admits it won't be easy.

"I think I'll probably miss the Hull trip, because it's so soon after the confirmation my Giants playing career is over," he added.

"I went into the dressing room at the end of the London game, and not being in the team that was singing the victory song hit me hard.

"It's going to be tough at Hull on Sunday, but I see no reason why they won't be singing it again."