IN-FORM prop Eorl Crabtree today paid tribute to new colleague Luke O’Donnell and promised the Giants are primed to topple unbeaten leaders Harlequins on Friday night.
The 28-year-old England forward was delighted with Sunday’s 20-10 Galpharm victory against Hull FC, when he recognised Nathan Brown’s side needed to deliver after fluctuating form in the first two games.
Now, surprise pace-setters Quins are on the horizon at The Stoop and the Giants – with Australian international O’Donnell leading the rampage from the back row – are again live on Sky TV for the nation to watch (8.00).
“Luke O’Donnell has fitted in fantastically well, as have the other new lads Jamie Simpson and Dale Ferguson,” said Crabtree, who was at the forefront of a strong forwards’ performance.
“They all just seem to have fallen into place and, while Jamie and Dale are still going through their training schedule, Luke has already shown that he’s a great player.
“He takes on a tough job for the team because he does all the tackling and all the carries at the same time.
“Luke really is a great athlete with a fantastic work ethic and he has fitted into the team and the squad here brilliantly.”
On the performance against Hull FC, which moved the Giants up to third in the Super League table behind Castleford and Quins, Crabtree added: “Sunday was a massive opportunity for us to get back on track and we did it, so now we look to carry that forward and we are all confident about what’s coming up.
“I was pleased people were looking at how we would front up because of what happened in the previous game at Cas, and I think we proved we were fired up and raring to go.”
