DELIGHTED Leroy Cudjoe believes the togetherness within the Giants squad was at the heart of his side’s nail-biting 26-24 triumph at Castleford Tigers.
The 20-year-old Huddersfield-born utility back again had a rock-solid game at centre as he helped his hometown club secure a third Super League XIV victory of the season.
Cudjoe had feared the game might slip out of his team’s grasp when he was sin-binned for holding down in the 68th minute when the visitors were hanging on to a slender six-point advantage.
Taking a yellow-card punishment at that time was one that was relatively easy to accept as his action clearly prevented the Tigers from crossing for a score at a crucial stage in the contest.
Unfortunately, however, the home side scored a minute later to reduce the deficit to 26-24.
And Cudjoe was full of praise for the way his teammates dug deep during his 10-minute absence.
“This was a really good win, because Cas have been playing very well,” said the former Newsome Panthers junior.
“They put us under a tremendous amount of pressure during the game, but everyone hung in there brilliantly, including when I was in the sin-bin.
“I think the key to our success this season will be if we continue to keep working hard for each other.
“That was definitely the case in this game, and hopefully that will carry on being the case.”
Cudjoe once again showed up well in the centres, despite being relatively new to the position.
But with skipper Brett Hodgson occupying the full-back role, Cudjoe is happy to accept a change of position.
“I think I’ll always regard full-back as my main position,” he added.
“But I’m the first to accept that with Brett around my chances there are going to be limited.
“At the moment, I’m just happy to be playing in the side and playing centre is something I am definitely enjoying.
“And I certainly don’t hold anything against Brett for playing full-back, because he’s already taught me loads about playing in the position.
“Nathan (Brown) has also taught me loads, and I know that will help me make a better full-back when I eventually play there again.”
