Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC: Cudjoe is aiming to reprise play-off heroics

The sight of then coach Nathan Brown enthusiastically cheering on Leroy Cudjoe like an excited Grand National racegoer as Huddersfield’s winger sprinted in a late 95m intercept try to finally seal a dramatic play-off at Warrington three years ago is imprinted in Super League folklore.

But for all it marked one of their finest performances of the summer era, that moment also reminds everyone at the club that it was also the last time they actually won a play-off tie.

Huddersfield were defeated just one step away from Old Trafford at St Helens the following week and have crucially drawn blanks ever since when it comes to the knockout stages.

It happened again last Thursday when – having finished top for the first time in 81 years – they slipped up at home to Wigan meaning tonight’s elimination play-off with Hull FC is suddenly make or break for their stellar campaign.

Brown may have moved on but Cudjoe, now established as a top centre, remains, as a major asset in Paul Anderson’s side.

“That’s a great memory and it was a great day,” he told the Yorkshire Post, recollecting his former coach ‘whipping’ him home.

“But it’s now time to create some more memories while creating history at the club by going few more steps further and winning a Grand Final.

“This year has been about us as a group trying to create our own story.

“We did that with the League Leaders’ Shield but we want to continue the 2013 story and win the Grand Final.

“This game will be the biggest test of our credentials so far after what happened against Wigan.

“We all knew after the game we didn’t perform. We let Wigan dominate us and once you let a good side do that you’re always going to be on the back foot.

“But the Giants 2013 always bounce back from defeats with a good win and, hopefully, that’s the case this Thursday.

“We can’t wait to get back out there and put things right. We also understand we have to or it’s over.”

Many expect Huddersfield to respond in the correct manner against opponents who have struggled for consistency and finished in sixth but, of course, all those old questions about the hosts’ stomach for a fight will resurface.

England international Cudjoe, who has scored eight tries this term and created almost double that often with his brilliant ability to flick out passes, has heard it all before.

“This is a different team to last year,” he said. “We’ve proved that this season with being the most consistent team in the league. There will always be people doubting us but we are very confident of putting in a good performance come Thursday night.

“I think Hull have been a little bit inconsistent but they have had their fair share of injuries. At the same time, they have had some massive performances in the league and also got to the Challenge Cup final.

“We’ve beaten them twice this season in what were very tough, physical games. But this is a different competition and we know how good they can be so we need to be at our best.”

That is something the Huddersfield-born Cudjoe has persistently delivered this season. Now 25, the Giants academy product has evolved into one of the most dynamic players around, his acceleration and strength allied to that fine handling ability making him a highly potent attacker.

Cudjoe is also a renowned defender and his all-round game has reached new heights, so it was no surprise he was named in the Super League Dream Team for a first time.

“It was a massive honour and something I’m proud of but I couldn’t have done it without my team-mates,” he admitted, one of five Huddersfield players rewarded. “I have been very happy with my form this year. I feel I’ve played more consistent and at a higher level.

“It’s definitely been the best season in my career and I think maturing as a person and player has been a major factor.

“Also, learning from past season experiences and being around the England squad has definitely helped my confidence, too.”

Cudjoe is a more rounded footballer compared to the one who made his international debut at a troubled 2010 Four Nations series in Australia, just a few weeks after that high at Warrington.

After falling out of the England reckoning, he worked his way back in last season and scored twice against the Exiles in June.

Cudjoe is a good bet to line up against Australia in the opening World Cup game next month, especially as Brisbane Broncos’ Jack Reed has also been ruled out by injury.

“I’d like to think I was in with a chance even if Jack Reed was fit,” he said. “But I’m just trying to focus on playing well for Huddersfield and hopefully that will be enough. If I get picked it will be a massive honour to be involved in the World Cup. It will be a dream come true. But there’s a lot of good centres out there and still some games to be played so, fingers crossed, I’ll get a call up.

“First, the aim is get to the Grand Final and win it. As a Huddersfield lad, it would mean a lot to achieve that first trophy and be a part of history here.”