IN-FORM centre Paul Whatuira believes the togetherness within the Giants camp could hold the key to Super League success against Hull at the Galpharm tonight (8.00).

Huddersfield face a buoyant Hull side who have opened their 2009 campaign with three wins out of three.

But with the Giants having chalked up two wins from three, including a first victory at Bradford for 40 years seven days ago, Whatuira is confident his side will be ready for the challenge.

And the 27-year-old New Zealand Test star believes that if coach Nathan Brown’s side can demonstrate the same qualities that brought success at the Bulls, a first home triumph of the campaign could be secured.

“The effort and commitment was there for all to see at Bradford,” said Whatuira.

“We had to work really hard for each other to get the victory, but that’s something we’re all prepared to do.

“I think everyone can see how together we are as a group, and that’s an important quality to possess, particularly when you find yourselves under pressure.

“Tonight against Hull is another game that’s going to test us, but if we can produce the same sort of effort and commitment in this game as we showed at Bradford we know we’ll put ourselves in a strong position.”

Whatuira will, as usual, start the game at left centre, but could find himself with a different partner on the opposite side.

Last week at Odsal Leroy Cudjoe took the role with distinction to earn praise from Galpharm chief Brown.

But with Michael Lawrence having recovered from a head knock which forced him to miss the Bulls’ game, a switch could be made.

There’s definitely one change in the pack, with Joe Walsh ready to step in for fellow second-row forward Simon Finnigan, who has been ruled out for six weeks with knee ligament damage.

But that could be the only change up front, with Brown keeping faith with the same props who served him so well a week ago, meaning Michael Korkidas keeps his place ahead of Darrell Griffin.

With an unbeaten start to the season Hull are desperately keen to maintain the run, but head coach Richard Agar knows his side face their toughest test yet tonight.

“I think Huddersfield have started the season really well and what has caught the eye is that they are really playing for each other,” said Agar.

“That has been a big feature of their game so far, plus the two halves have started the year in good nick and they have the added quality of Brett Hodgson at full back.

“Brett is new to Super League and he brings something different to Huddersfield from the back.

“He has the ability to come into the line; he runs some intelligent lines and his timing and subtlety of hand makes him a dangerous player on attack. He also reads the game particularly well – he will be a threat to us.

“Huddersfield have started very much with the bit between their teeth and they have put up three very good performances and this is a big test for us.”

Hull could give a debut to new signing Sam Moa, who has been named in Agar’s 19-man squad.

Second rower Willie Manu is expected to be promoted to the starting line-up in place of Mike Burnett, who is out of action for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, and Moa could take his place on the bench.

Hull have loose forward Danny Washbrook back after missing last Friday’s win over Catalans with a hamstring strain.

GIANTS: B Hodgson, Aspinwall, Brown, Whaturia, D Hodgson, Robinson, Faiumu, Lolesi, Raleigh, Wild, Jackson, Mason, Korkidas, Kirmond, Lawrence, Moore, Cudjoe, Walsh, Patrick.

HULL: Hall, Calderwood, G Horne, Yeaman, Briscoe, R Horne, Thorman, Dowes, Berrigan, Cusack, Manu, Tickle, Radford, Houghton, Moa, Thackray, Lee, Maloney, Washbrook.

REFEREE: Ian Smith.