IN-FORM prop Darrell Griffin believes everything is now back in place for the Giants to rediscover the good times.
Huddersfield celebrated the news that head coach Nathan Brown had done a U-turn and will remain in charge next season by securing a solid 30-12 Super League triumph over Crusaders at the Galpharm on Sunday.
That win lifted the Giants back up to sixth in the table and on course for a play-off finish ahead of Friday’s trip to champions Leeds Rhinos.
Any trip to Headingley is tough, but with Brown staying and the prospect of several key forwards returning from injury over the next few weeks, Griffin is looking forward to exciting times.
“It was awesome news about Nathan Brown staying because everyone thinks so much about him,” he said. “There are not many better coaches knocking around the game – he’s definitely the best I’ve worked with.
“His decision to stay is great for the players, great for the fans and great for the club.
“When your coach announces they’re leaving, there’s always going to be a bit of uncertainty, but we can now put all that behind us, knowing we can look forward to some very exciting times again.
“As well as Browny telling us he’ll be sticking around, things are also looking a lot brighter on the injury front and we’re starting to get some big players back at an important time of the year.
“It feels a very good time to be around the place.”
Even though the players received a big lift when Brown told them he would be staying at training on Saturday, Griffin didn’t feel that made the difference between winning and losing against the Crusaders 24 hours later.
“We knew how important a win would be for us anyway,” added the 29-year-old.
“If we were to keep on course for a play-off spot at the end of the season this was a match we couldn’t afford to lose and, fortunately, we didn’t.
“We always knew it was going to be a very tough, physical game.
“I’d like to think I did a pretty decent job helping us to get on top.
“I’m certainly happy with the way I’m playing at the moment.
“But I thought all the forwards did a good job.
“I’m really impressed with the way Graeme Horne has stood up to the challenge of playing at prop. It was his first start in the position, filling in for Keith Mason, and he didn’t let anyone down.”
Huddersfield forward David Faiumu has also been summoned to appear in front of the Rugby Football League’s disciplinary committee panel today after being charged with a grade A tackle that placed undue pressure on the shoulder joint of Crusaders winger Nick Youngquest during his side’s 30-12 win over the Welsh club.
