Andy Raleigh column: It’s been a Super year for the Giants

HI, it’s Andy here.

Well, what a sad end to what’s been a fantastic year for the club.

After playing so well for much of the season we just didn’t live up to our full potential at the end of the year.

With injuries to key players, such as Kevin Brown and Danny Kirmond, it clearly took its toll, although that’s sport I’m afraid!

And another cruel aspect of being a sportsman is obviously when you have to move on, and good friends of yours stop being about the place.

For us we’ve lost three players who have been fantastic for us this year.

Obviously, we’ve lost Scotty Moore, who is heading back to St Helens after spending the year on loan with us.

There’s no doubt the move has been good for him, as well as us, which has been reflected in the fact he played for England during the summer, is now in the England train-on squad for the Four Nations and also made the Super League Dream Team.

On top of that, he’s been great to have around the place and I know he’ll be missed, both on and off the field.

Liam Fulton is another leaving the club after spending the second half of the season from Australian NRL club Wests Tigers.

Fults has also been fantastic for us.

He’s added class to our pack and is also skilful enough to have filled in a stand-off when needed. Our loss is Tigers’ gain.

And talking of Tigers, Castleford are another club who will surely gain from one of losses, with Paul Jackson’s moving there.

Jacko’s a very good friend of mine and his departure was the hardest for me to take.

He’s been a fantastic servant to the game and to the Giants during his two spells at the club, and I have to admit I was devastated when I heard he was leaving.

At the same time, I was, of course, happy for him, because he’s been able to secure his future for the next two years and is moving to a place where his hard work and experience will be valued.

I’m sure all three players will be missed and we wish them well for the future.

And it’s a future we’re all really looking forward to at the Giants.

I’m extremely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we build on the great things we’ve already achieve.

Both our Cup success and third place Super League finish prove beyond the doubt the club is advancing, and I for one am excited about where we can go.

I just can’t wait for Super League XV!

One final note. Some of you may have expected this final column of the season have been penned by Jammer.

But after taking that heavy head knock in the opening minutes of last week’s game against Catalans Dragons, I’ve allowed him to have the week off.

Fortunately, I’m happy to report Jammer’s making a good recovery and, after being checked out in hospital over the weekend, he was fit and well enough to go out for a well-earned beer on Sunday night!