Cudjoe’s reputation soaring in dynamic new pairing

The Huddersfield Giants centre has been quietly impressive during the World Cup, scoring in the opening loss against Australia before proving a constant scourge of Ireland last weekend.

In that game he helped furnish Leeds Rhinos winger Ryan Hall with a hat-trick of tries and is sure to be included again in the national side’s crucial final group game versus Fiji on Saturday.

Cudjoe, such a powerful and well-balanced runner, has grasped his opportunity after injured Brisbane Broncos centre Jack Reed missed out on the tournament and the Yorkshireman has certainly enhanced his growing reputation.

The 25-year-old’s slick link-up play with Hall has been a feature and he said: “Ryan is a world-class winger. He understands the game and likes to attack so that makes it easier for me.

“I know whatever I do he will be on the end of it, finishing it off and making me look good. Hopefully, it’s a partnership that will stay through the whole tournament.”

Cudjoe concedes, however, he was almost embarrassed in the second minute on Saturday.

After initially ignoring a clear overlap by throwing a dummy to Hall just a couple of yards from the Ireland line, he was half-tackled before finally getting the try-scoring pass out at the second opportunity.

“I just got caught up with the atmosphere and – playing at Huddersfield – thought it would be great to score the first try,” admitted the player, who was starring in front of the biggest crowd seen at his home town’s stadium.

“It’s a weird one because I’d normally always pass them but we scored it in the end.

“I’m sure in future I’ll pick the right decision.

“Overall, though, it was just an awesome experience to play a World Cup match at a full house of more than 24,000 at Huddersfield and get the win.

“It was a great day with an amazing atmosphere.”

England will secure a likely quarter-final against France if they overcome Fiji at Hull FC but Cudjoe knows it will not be easy.

Their opponents may have been defeated 34-2 by Australia at the weekend but that scoreline is deceiving.

“I watched that game and Fiji are definitely a good team with lots of NRL experience,” said Cudjoe. “They also enjoy the physical part of the game so we need to keep improving and match them while playing our style of game to build some momentum.

“It should be another exciting game. It’s a massive game for 
us but every game in the World Cup is.”