THE Giants will have two fans cheering them on all the way from Afghanistan.

Corporal Kieran Robert Marsden from Meltham and Signaller William Hayley from Golcar are getting behind the team in between fighting on the front line.

Kieran, who goes to every Giants game he can, says he would definitely go to the final between Huddersfield and Warrington if he were at home.

He said: “When I’m at home I drink in the Meltham Liberal Club, which will be empty on match day.

“My favourite player is Eorl Crabtree because he is a man-mountain and tackles like a maniac.”

While William, 26, said he would have gone to the final if he were at home, adding: “Every bit of support counts – you’ve got to support your local team.

“We got beat in the last final but I reckon we’ll win this time against Warrington.”

Kieran is due to return to Northern Ireland, where he is based, at the beginning of October.

He added: “I am looking forward to spending time with my wife Alexa and our son Alfie who will be two in December.

“We’ve got a small holiday planned to a cottage on the Lincolnshire coast, and at Christmas I hope to treat my wife to a holiday away.”

The 30-year-old joined the Army in 2002 following in the footsteps of his brothers Sean and Darren, who were serving with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

He is currently deployed with the Quarter Master’s Department of 209 Signal Squadron as the Operational Equipment Table Non Commissioned Officer and is responsible for running and maintaining the Operational Equipment Table.

It means he makes sure the troops on the front line have everything they need in battle.

The former Moor End Technology College pupil, added: “I am also environmental health qualified for the camp at Lashkar Gah and I am responsible for checking sanitation, for bulk-water purification and pest control.

“There is a very good water system here and I have been responsible for managing the population of cats at the base which are used to keep the mouse and rat population down – if we get too many cats they are relocated.”

While Golcar soldier William is also backing the team from the baking heat of the Afghan summer.

The Signaller, based with the Driver Lineman with 209 Signal Squadron usually based in Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, is currently employed in the Support Troop maintaining the serviceability of vehicles in Lashkar Gah.

The 26-year-old has previously been deployed to Iraq twice and arrived in Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province in July.

He added: “Every operational tour is different – it’s a learning curve.

“You’re doing a job for your country – it’s something to be proud of and for your family to be proud of.”

His family, including mum June and sisters Stacey, Adele and Leanne all live in Golcar.

His other two sisters, Sam and Joanne live in Linthwaite and his father lives in Dalton.

A regular at Golcar British Legion, he added: “I’ve been going there for so long now, they know my drink.

“One of the old boys, Eric, is there every night and has his own pint pot.

“It’s the best place to enjoy a drink, and my fiancée goes there when I’m away.”

He is a former Colne Valley High School and Huddersfield Technical College pupil and is looking forward to his wedding to fiancée Amanda Bennett next July – and of course the Giants this weekend.