FORMER Giants favourite Danny Russell is hoping to round off his memorable association with the club by guiding the Junior Academy to victory over Warrington in the First Division Grand Final at Wilderspool tonight (7.45).

The popular Australian is planning to move back home with his family later in the year, bringing the curtain down on seven years in Huddersfield.

And he can think of nothing better than ending his time with the Giants than by coaching the Under 18s to Grand Final glory.

"My time with the Giants has been fantastic and seeing the boys win tonight would be the icing on the cake," said Russell, who was also keen to acknowledge the role of fellow coach Mick Sykes.

"But, to be honest, this match is all about the boys and the future of the club, rather than me.

"More than anything else I want them to win to reward them for their fantastic efforts throughout the season.

"Their form over the last eight games, when they have been unbeaten, has been sensational and they'll be confident of winning tonight.

"It's obviously going to be tough and we know Wolves will be able to call on a couple of fringe Super League players.

"But we, too, have are capable of turning it on.

"Yet our philosophy is that we're a star team rather than a team full of stars, and I'm sure a good team effort will bring us the silverware.

"We can't wait to get out there to play. There are not many chances to pick up silverware in the professional game"

Huddersfield Giants: Knight; Sutherland, Joseph, Feehan, George; Hemingway, Hawkyard; Southwell, Clare, Holdsworth, Robinson, Gledhill, Samuel. Subs (from): Wilkinson, Dunbar, Mennell, Fitzpatrick, Watson, Simpson (M).

Next story