DARRELL GRIFFIN is relishing the chance to take on extra front-row responsibility for the Giants in Sunday’s Super League home clash against Bradford Bulls.
With pack leader John Skandalis ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and Eorl Crabtree sidelined for a month with a finger fracture, Huddersfield have lost two key front-rowers.
That has put more of the pressure on fellow props Griffin, Keith Mason and Paul Jackson – who is pencilled in to return after suffering a fractured eye socket – to lead the Giants from the front.
But former Wakefield man Griffin, who has been one of his side’s most consistent performers in 2008, is determined to rise to the challenge.
“For much of this season, the coaching staff have had all five front-rowers available, which has given them a real selection headache,” said Griffin.
“But this competition for places has been good for us.
“That’s probably one reason why I’ve been pleased with my form this year, because if you aren’t playing well and performing to the best of your ability then you know there is someone there who can take your place.
“It definitely keeps you on your toes and that’s probably why my form has been pretty good. When I was at Wakefield I was one of the senior props but over here we have got a really good collection of front-rowers.
“Obviously, it’s a blow losing John and Eorl, but I think it’ll just make us even more determined to step up and take more of the responsibility.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it, probably because of the confidence I’ve taken working with the coaches we’ve had here.
“I learned a lot under Jon (Sharp), and now I’m continuing to learn under Paul (Anderson) and Keiron (Purtill).
“Working with ‘Baloo’ (Anderson), in particular, is great.
“I’ve never really experienced working with someone that has played my position.
“It really helps, as he has achieved everything in the game, so I just try to listen to everything he says and take it all on board.
“To be honest, I’ve really enjoyed playing under Paul and Keiron, because they’ve tried to keep things more relaxed after the tough times earlier in the season.
“I think everyone has seen that in recent performances, and hopefully it’ll hold the key to a win over Bradford on Sunday.”
READY FOR BATTLE Darrell Griffin is relishing the chance to lock horns with Bradford Bulls at the Galpharm on Sunday
