Leroy Cudjoe refusing to panic despite winless start for Huddersfield Giants

They are the only side still yet to pick up a point having lost all four games so far meaning last season’s top-four semi-finalists are actually bottom of the table.

Giants face a crucial game against fellow strugglers Hull KR this Sunday as they look to get their campaign up and running.

Friday’s 20-16 loss at previously winless Leeds Rhinos was particularly galling; depleted Huddersfield led 12-6 at the break and went 16-12 ahead when Michael Lawrence crossed in the 67th minute.

Their West Yorkshire rivals finished stronger, though, and Cudjoe – who debuted for Giants in 2008 – admitted: “I certainly did think we were going to win from that point. It was disappointing to lose the match having taken the lead towards the back end.

“We need to learn to grind those types of games out and it was similar to the match against Wigan when we lost in the final five minutes.

“It is a tough time for us but it’s still very early in the season.

“A good run of three or four games and you’re back in the mix.

“We just need to get a few boys back, keep working hard and it will come.”

Huddersfield, who have been hamstrung by injuries, could have Eorl Crabtree, Kyle Wood and Joe Wardle available for Sunday’s game at John Smith’s Stadium which would be a significant boost. They saw captain Danny Brough return from a two-game absence at Headingley and England centre Cudjoe admitted: “Broughy is massive player for us.

“He’s a great player with the best kicking game in the competition so having him back is a massive plus. We just need to keep working hard, keep believing in each other and the structures and stick as a team. It’s still early days and no one is panicking.

“Sunday’s game against KR is massive – two injury-hit teams that ain’t getting the results.

“It will be a battle of two teams working hard desperate to get that win. And hopefully it’s us.

“It’s really crucial for us to get the win as, for where we want to be at the end of the season, we need to start getting results soon.”

Hull KR hope to have their own talisman back for them, former Australia stand-off Terry Campese, their captain who has been sidelined since a knee reconstruction last June.

“Campese is a big player for KR,” said Cudjoe.

“He guides them around the park well and understands the way the game’s going.

“He has good game-management backed up with a good kicking game.

“They have good players all over the park but we just need to focus on ourselves and getting our game going and the rest will fall into place.”