Cudjoe signs new long-term Giants deal

The centre, who hails from the town and debuted in 2008, is set to be a one-club man like colleague Eorl Crabtree who also recently signed a fresh long-term contract.

Cudjoe, who has scored 94 tries in 210 games for the Claret and Golds, will now remain with the club where he made his name until the end of 2020 season.

He has also crossed six times in a dozen games for his country, proving a big hit in particular during the 2013 World Cup, the season he also earned a place in the Super League Dream Team having helped Huddersfield finish top for the first time in 81 years.

Cudjoe lost his England place last year but Giants head Coach Paul Anderson, who has witnessed him emerge from the West Yorkshire club’s academy system and followed his path all the way through to his present status, admitted: “I still think Leroy has many of his best years ahead of him.

“And, whilst centre is where he has played most of his recent rugby, his ability to drop into other positions makes him a very valuable member of the squad.

“The reality for me is simply that he is a very good player who the club have brought through the system.

“His challenge now is to ensure he grasps the opportunity to realise his position in the group is one that others look up to and expect to see consistently high class match winning performances from him.

“I know he’s disappointed he has lost his place in the England side and we want to see him back in there.

“Both he and I know what he needs to do to achieve that which if he does will be a great boost to his team here.”

Cudjoe, who will look to take title-chasing Giants up to third with a win at St Helens tonight, added: “I’m very proud to represent my home town and think we have a great side here that can only get better with age.

“I want to get my place in the England team back and the best way to do that is to be successful here this season which is what we’re all working towards.

“We have been in the mix for trophies now for a good while and I want to be a key part of the team that’s the first to bring home one of the big two prizes.

“I am now one of the longest serving players on our books and enjoy working in and around the town with the younger players to try and encourage more support which we all know we deserve.

“Our form on the pitch has deserved better but our loyal supporters never leave us and I hope that I can repay their faith in me by playing my part to take us to even greater success.”