SHAUN LUNT could be back in Giants action in the next three weeks.
But inspirational captain Brett Hodgson may not return to competitive Super League action before then.
Both men underwent scans yesterday to assess the full extent of their injuries.
It was feared 23-year-old hooker Lunt could be out for up to two months after suffering an Achilles injury in the warm-up to Sunday’s 38-10 Super League triumph at Crusaders.
Fortunately, however, the damage has not proved quite so severe and Lunt could return before the end of May.
But while the news of the Giants’ hooker is positive, it’s a different story for Hodgson, who it was hoped would be back for Sunday’s clash against Super League leaders Wigan as part of the Magic Weekend in Edinburgh.
It was thought the Australian was forced to miss the Welsh trip with a dead leg.
But scans have revealed he has suffered a more serious thigh strain and is looking at being absent for the next month.
That news has come as another blow to the club in the wake of the announcement that Super League Man of Steel Hodgson will be leaving the Galpharm at the end of the season – although Lunt’s scan has obviously helped lift some of the gloom.
“It’s going to be around three to four weeks for Shaun Lunt, which is certainly not as long as we first feared,” said Giants head coach Nathan Brown.
“Obviously it’s not ideal, but with the length of time it’s not a tragedy for us.
“You’d always like to have all your players fit and healthy, but with Brad Drew coming back and Luke Robinson playing great we feel like we have the cover there to do really well.
“Brett’s our captain and the reigning Man of Steel so it’s clear how important he is and what he brings to the team.
“But it does offer the chance for the rest of the team to step up in what is an important month for us.
“Leroy (Cudjoe) came in at full-back against the Crusaders and did a good job and he is a player that will keep improving.
“The important thing is how players respond to it and, generally, this year we have played well without Brett, including a victory over Leeds, so the onus is on the team to step up for the weeks ahead.”
