LEE GILMOUR is determined to still be playing a leading Giants’ role by the time he makes his 500th senior appearance.
The 34-year-old utility star celebrated game No450 by helping Huddersfield beat London Broncos a week ago to reach the Challenge Cup semi-final.
Gilmour will make it 451 games against former club Wigan at the Galpharm tonight (8.00) as the Giants look to re-establish their two-point lead at the top of the table against the current pacesetters.
Tonight’s challenge is one Gilmour knows is going to be tough.
But he’s determined to once again play a leading role and prove to everyone that breaking through the 500 barrier is well within his grasp and he can join an exclusive club that has Keiron Cunningham and Keith Senior as its only other members.
“I’m delighted to reach the 450-mark, because there aren’t many who have done it,” said Gilmour, who has also played for Bradford Bulls and St Helens, as well as Great Britain and Scotland.
“It seems a long time ago since I made my debut in 1997, but it doesn’t feel like 450 games ago!
“I’ve had a fantastic career so far and one I’m proud of. I know there are two players on 500-plus in Keith Senior and Keiron Cunningham and my aim now is to carry on and sit besides those guys.”
But in the short term, Gilmour is more concerned about helping the Giants continue to be a major Super League force.
And he knows beating the in-form Warriors tonight will go a very long way to keeping Huddersfield firmly on track.
“Things are going really well at the minute,” he added.
“We’ve got some new attacking-intent this season and the boys are working hard for each other.
“We’re joint top of the league and through to the semi final of the Challenge Cup, so we’re certainly giving ourselves a good chance of winning something this year.
“We know when it comes down to it we’re going to have to remain focused and perform on the big stage, and that’s what we’re playing on tonight.
“We obviously want to be top of the league, but with the form Wigan have been in over the past six or seven weeks it’s going to be very difficult.
“They’ve been undefeated, they’ve got a nice run going and they’re probably the form team.
“If we perform well against Wigan it will give us an idea of where we are at.
“Over the last few seasons we have been a much better side than over the past decade, so we’re starting to achieve some strong victories.
“But, in all honesty, we’re not really interested in those types of achievements.
“Breaking records (such as winning at Headingley for the first time in 50 years last season) is just a bonus for what is our ultimate aim – and that’s getting our hands on some silverware.”
