Aaron Murphy is set to return to action as the Giants bid to strengthen their top-four Super League spot with victory in tomorrow’s home clash against Hull KR.
The in-form 26-year-old utility back has missed his side’s last three top-flight fixtures after suffering a knee injury during the 22-22 Magic Weekend draw against Catalans Dragons.
He was close to making a comeback at Widnes a fortnight ago, but wasn’t risked on the Vikings artificial pitch as Huddersfield secured a battling 30-22 triumph.
Having the extra weeks to give his knee even more time to recover should prove beneficial when he does make a return – with this weekend’s clash against the Robins appearing the most likely.
But with the Giants having notched up impressive wins in his absence in the last two games – at home to Warrington and at Widnes – nothing can be taken for granted.
While Murphy has been sidelined, close friend Jodie Broughton has made the most of his chance, with crucial scores in both victories, while Jared Simpson has been outstanding in keeping senior full-back Scott Grix out of the side.
And with Jake Connor also eager to get back in the side after missing out on final selection at Widnes, Huddersfield boss Paul Anderson does have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
With England back-row forward Brett Ferres starting a two-match ban following his dismissal for punching Widnes full-back Rhys Hanbury, it would be no great shock if first-choice centre Joe Wardle had another run in Ferres’s second-row slot. After all, Wardle has been magnificent in the role.
When Anderson has had a full-strength backline at his disposal, Broughton has very often been the man to miss out.
But the lightning winger is hoping that with four successive games under his belt and his full Super League match fitness having returned, his time on the sidelines is a thing of the past.
“I’ve never known competition for places in the centres, wings and full-back as healthy as this,” said Broughton.
“We’ve got cover everywhere, and now Murph’s back in the frame the competition for places is even more fierce.
“With the way Murph’s been playing this season, I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone if he came back in this weekend. He’s been outstanding for us all year.
“But he’s certainly not taking anything for granted. He’s just been keeping his head down in training and working as hard as he can to make sure he gets back in the side.
“Having said that, that’s what everyone’s having to do – including me.
“After waiting so long to get a place back in the side, I don’t want to lose it again now.
“Ideally, I’d like to be in a Giants side that’s got me and Murph in it, and not just because he’s a good player but also because he’s such a good mate.
“As well as sharing similar positions in the side, we obviously share a car journey to training every day – along with Anthony Mullally – from our homes in the Leeds area, and we’re always giving each other as much encouragement as we possibly can.
“So I’ll be as chuffed as anyone when Murph’s back out there playing again.
“At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure we keep on winning, whoever’s in the side. We may be battling for each other’s places, but we’re all friends and we all want to do what’s best for the team.”
Broughton spent several months away from the Giants Super League scene due to that fierce battle for places.
But it was during his time on the sidelines that he really began to appreciate the full enthusiasm of the Giants faithful.
“Our fans this year have been absolutely brilliant,” added Broughton.
“And I’ve only fully appreciated that on matchdays by spending time on the sidelines.
“The away support, in particular, has been nothing short of sensational, and I’ve loved watching them and hearing them during the games.
“So I’d really like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of them, because their backing is very important.
“To know they’re behind you, particularly when the going gets tough, does give you a tremendous psychological lift.
“There’s never been a Super League season quite as close and competitive as this, and knowing the fans are backing you can make a huge difference.”
Giants: Grix, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, Murphy, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Huby, Hughes, Lawrence, Kopczak, Wood, Ta’ai, Broughton, Mullally, Ellis, Fairbank, Simpson.
Hull KR: Dixon, Cockayne, Mantellato, Sio, Blair, Kelly, Walker, Larroyer, Horne, McCarthy, Burke, Salter, Welham, Green, Ollett, Boudebza, Lunt, Tilse, Puletua.
Referee: Robert Hicks.
