FIRED-UP Steve McNamara aims to make the most of a major injury escape and lead the Giants' McAlpine Super League victory charge against Widnes tomorrow (5.30).

The Huddersfield club captain and former Great Britain international will retire as a player after the next three games to take up a coaching post with neighbours Bradford Bulls.

But he feared that his retirement could be sooner when he suffered a knock to the shoulder at The Jungle eight days ago.

Now, however, McNamara is confident of playing through the remaining pain to make the most of his let-off.

"I was in agony when I took the knock, and my first thought was that's the end of my career," he said.

"Fortunately, it was a trapped nerve and most of the pain soon went.

"But that scare has added to my determination to make the most of my remaining games, starting against Widnes Vikings tomorrow."

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