STUART JONES is being backed to lead Huddersfield Giants by example in tomorrow's tough Tetley's Super League home clash against St Helens (8.00).
Head coach Jon Sharp today revealed the 22-year-old back rower will captain Huddersfield against the club who allowed him to join the Giants on a season's loan.
Even though Jones is officially a Saints player, he has been given permission to play against them in Super League.
He was also allowed to play against Saints in the Powergen Challenge Cup semi-final on April 25 - the original date for tomorrow's rearranged Super League fixture.
Jones was one of the Giants' most solid performers during the heavy 46-6 Cup defeat, and former Saints assistant coach Sharp has no doubt Jones will again be a main man tomorrow.
"Stuart has done a fantastic job for us all season and handing him the captaincy is a recognition of all his efforts," said Sharp, who is expected to make few changes from the side that suffered a 40-12 defeat at second-placed Hull on Sunday.
"We know Stuart will lead us by example, and I'm sure he'll rise to the occasion once again, particularly as the game is against St Helens.
"As well as being a wholehearted player, he's also a very good talker. All in all he's a natural for the captaincy."
Jones will lead out the team because club captain Darren Fleary is again pencilled in to start on the bench.
Sharp will not be able to finalise his side until the last minute, with many players still carrying bumps and bruises from Sunday's tough clash.
But he is hopeful all those who were in action will be able to play, and may also be in the position to recall injured duo Jonathan Grayshon (ankle) and Iain Morrison (sternum).
"The boys have been doing light training today and then it will be down to team selection," added Sharp.
"But, again, it could be a case of having to wait until the very last minute to settle on things."
