Super League Grand Finalist Larne Patrick believes he’ll return to the Giants a better player.
The 26-year-old forward brought the curtain down on his season-long loan at Wigan Warriors with a strong display off the bench in Saturday’s dramatic 22-20 Grand Final defeat to Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.
The Welsh international went on as a substitute to play the last three minutes of the first half and the opening 20 of the second, with his strong carries helping the Warriors get onto the front foot during that time.
But even though Patrick ended up on the losing side, he’s confident the Final experience will stand him in good stead for his time back at Huddersfield.
“Obviously, it was gutting to lose, but playing in a Grand Final is a fantastic experience and one I’ll never forget,” said Patrick, who is getting married to fiancé Becky this coming Saturday and will then go on honeymoon and check back in for Giants pre-season training on November 16.
“I was happy with the way I played – although it would have been good to have had a bit more time on the field – and I think I showed I can handle playing on the biggest stages.
“I’ve learned some new things and experienced some different things during my time at Wigan, which I know have made me a better player.
“So I’m really excited about coming back to the Giants and doing everything I can to make sure I’m back at Old Trafford next season playing in claret and gold rather than in cherry and white!
“When I get back at Huddersfield I’ll see myself as one of the more senior players – I’ll be 27 then – and I’m hoping to use my time at Wigan for our benefit next year.
“Although I’ve kept in touch with Baloo and the boys while I’ve been away, it still feels a bit like I’ve signed for a new club, and that makes the move even more exciting.
“But I do know I’ll be going back to a great set of lads.”
And Patrick is 100% convinced his talk of playing in a Grand Final with the Giants isn’t fanciful.
“I genuinely feel we can do it, which is something else that makes me so excited about next season already,” he said.
“The facilities at the club keep getting better and better, and the squad is getting stronger and stronger.
“The signings of Ryan Hinchcliffe and Sam Rapira are massive, and I know I’ll be part of one of the strongest packs in Super League next year.
“There’s going to be real competition for places in the forwards, which was the case at Wigan this season and helped make the side so strong.
“Having now experienced what it’s like to play in a Grand Final, it’s made me even hungrier to go back again, and this time win one.
“I know we have the potential at Huddersfield to do it.”
