Liam Finn open to full-time role as Huddersfield Giants turn Super League corner
LIAM FINN made no secret of his wish to become a full-time head coach – no doubt boosting his chances after Huddersfield Giants made it back-to-back Super League wins with victory over York Knights at the Accu Stadium.
Australian Jacob Gagai, playing at centre against the newly-promoted Knights, went over twice early in the second period after three tries in the game’s opening 14 minutes, from team-mates Adam Clune, Niall Evalds and Tanguy Zenon, had given the Giants a flying start.
After falling 18-0 behind, York responded with tries from debutant Will Roberts and David Nofoaluma before the interval, but Gagai’s double put Huddersfield back in full control.
Nikau Williams went over for a converted score for the visitors just after the hour mark to reduce the deficit to 28-14 with 12 minutes left.
However, Huddersfield grabbed their sixth try of the match through Australian hooker Zac Woolford two minutes later to seal victory.
France full-back Tanguy Zenon landed three conversions for Huddersfield and half-back Oliver Russell chipped in with two more, while Knights half-back Roberts landed one of his three attempts.
The Giants, who lost their first five opening Super League games this season, are being led by director of rugby Andy Kelly after sacking head coach Luke Robinson last month.
They halted their five-game losing start last week with a stunning 34-16 win at Wigan and have now climbed up to 11th in the table, while York remain second-bottom after a fourth successive defeat.
Giants’ assistant coach Finn spoke about the prospect of taking the head coach role on a full-time basis, saying: “The club know that my desire is to be a head coach at some point in my career. Whether they decide whether now’s the right time, it’s up to them.
“But really, it’s just about preparing for Leeds in two weeks’ time, as it was preparing for York today.”
York boss Mark Applegarth told BBC Radio York: “There’s a lot of hard work to do, especially on the training field.
"The defence is nowhere near it at the moment. If I’m honest, we’re leaking far too many points. We’ve got to show a bit more resolve.”