Influential Hodgson carries on where he left off

The 21-year-old winger crossed twice in the opening 17 minutes on Friday night as Huddersfield swept into a 16-0 lead.

Reigning Man of Steel Hodgson was the provider both times, the sublime Australian veteran coming up with some classic plays.

Huddersfield-born Cudjoe, who added to his own growing reputation after scoring 16 tries last season, admitted: "It's amazing playing outside Brett.

"Every time I score it seems to be him involved in it either with a great pass or a kick.

"It was the same last year; he is an awesome player.

"The win was a great way for us to start. I wasn't out there hoping to score in the first match. I was just hoping to play well and Brett helped me do that."

Hodgson, who turns 32 on Friday, is beginning his second season at the Galpharm Stadium after joining from Parramatta Eels and was a clear winner of the man-of-the-match award following a typically polished display.

He also struck four goals to always make sure his side – the surprise package of 2009 – were ahead of a poor Bradford outfit and Brown admitted: "Brett played great. Everybody knows what type of player he is and how important he is to us."

However, the Giants chief was quick to commend his pack after they ignored an early injury to prop Keith Mason, as well as second-half yellow cards to Luke Robinson and Lee Gilmour, to remain on top of their opponents.

"Brett does that on the back of some guys working really hard," added Brown."We lost Keith Mason after one minute and our big blokes in the middle did a really great job especially considering the times they were putting in and that we were with 12 men for long periods.

"We built last year on effort and commitment for each other. It was there again on Friday."

Giants, who travel to Hull FC on Friday, will be without Mason for at least four to six weeks after he tore a pectoral muscle.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara blamed his side's carelessness for the defeat.

A raft of unforced handling mistakes gifted Huddersfield the possession and territory to strike early and he said: "There were some things in that first half that by our own admission were unacceptable.

"We were made to pay the price and were chasing the game after that."