NATHAN BROWN paid tribute to the destructive qualities of hat-trick hero David Hodgson as the victorious Giants came out of their Easter programme injury-free and primed for the rest of Super League.

Huddersfield last night returned to winning ways with a 24-0 home victory over Castleford Tigers in which Hodgson scored three fine tries on his 50th club appearance.

Galpharm chief Brown admitted he was disappointed by the team’s performance, but after bouncing back from Monday’s shock defeat at Salford to make it two wins out of three, Brown is hoping his third-placed side can now push on.

“To get the win and keep the opposition to zero is pleasing,” said Brown, who was full of praise for Hodgson and back-row forward David Fa’alogo.

“But what is just as pleasing is to come out of Easter with two wins out of three and with a fully-fit squad.

“Last year we were playing better at this stage and won all three of our Easter fixtures.

“But we also lost at least three blokes with long-term injuries through fatigue.

“That hit us hard towards the end of the campaign and that is something we are keen to avoid this time around.”

Next up for the Giants is the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Hull KR at the Galpharm on Sunday (1.45), when Brown is hoping Fa’alogo and Hodgson can again hit top form.

“We have missed Fa’alogo over the past month and he showed on his return what a big impact he can make for us, so hopefully that will continue,” he explained.

“And I was absolutely delighted for David Hodgson to get his hat trick. He is an excellent professional and you know you can always depend on him to contribute to the team. He again showed what a quality finisher he is.”

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