Veteran Huddersfiield Giants centre Leroy Cudjoe relieved to get back playing again

WATCHING the continued renaissance of England centres who have both successfully strived to overcome serious knee injuries will be a welcome by-product of Huddersfield Giants against Salford Red Devils tomorrow.
Long lay-off: Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe is back in the side after a lengthy knee injury. Picture: Bruce RollinsonLong lay-off: Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe is back in the side after a lengthy knee injury. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Long lay-off: Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe is back in the side after a lengthy knee injury. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Huddersfield’s Leroy Cudjoe, in particular, has battled through massive adversity that threatened his career to start producing the sort of form that saw him shine in the 2013 World Cup.

Back then, of course, the Leeds Rhinos star Kallum Watkins – recently signed by Salford – was his centre partner as Steve McNamara’s England came so close to reaching the final.

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When Cudjoe played against Warrington Wolves in August it was only his second game in two years due to a series of complex knee issues. His previous comeback last year lasted just one match but, this time, there are no doubts about his fitness.

Tomorrow’s game at Emerald Headingley, when resurgent Huddersfield hope for a fourth successive win under interim head coach Luke Robinson, will be his eighth consecutive match.

One of the most graceful centres around, the 32-year-old has encouragingly increasingly looked more like his old slick self.

Whether making line-breaks, using deft handling to furnish his long-time winger Jermaine McGillvary with scores or launching defensive hits, Cudjoe has thrived and last week’s try against Hull KR was a first since 2018.

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Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, he said: “Yes, it’s seven games I’ve now played in so far and I’ve really enjoyed it, especially the last few games getting some good wins under our belts.

Familiar face: Leroy Cudjoe is looking forward to facing his old England centre partner, Kallum Watkins, when the Giants play Salford. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comFamiliar face: Leroy Cudjoe is looking forward to facing his old England centre partner, Kallum Watkins, when the Giants play Salford. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Familiar face: Leroy Cudjoe is looking forward to facing his old England centre partner, Kallum Watkins, when the Giants play Salford. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m finally enjoying my rugby again; I feel each week I’m getting better and more confident.

“It’s been good linking back up with Jez (McGillvary); he’s a world class player and who wouldn’t enjoy playing alongside him?

“It’s taken us a few games to find our combination but we’re finding our feet now. I’ve not missed him constantly talking rubbish to me every day, though!

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“And it was good to score. It’d been a long time. I was starting to think if I’d ever do it again...!”

He will not directly face his former Test team-mate Watkins tomorrow given they both play on the right edge. But Cudjoe is delighted to see the three-time Grand Final winner back in Super League again following some turbulent times.

As Leeds captain, Watkins was heavily criticised after returning from a knee reconstruction and struggling at the start of last year.

He moved to the NRL with Gold Coast Titans a few months later only to return in April after his father contracted Covid. In May, Watkins signed a three-year deal with Toronto Wolfpack only to see the Canadian franchise hit their much-publicised financial problems and withdraw from the competition in July.

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Nevertheless, the 29-year-old joined Salford last month and has helped them reach Wembley – where they face Rhinos – with Challenge Cup victories over Catalans Dragons and Warrington.

Cudjoe said: “I’m buzzing to see Kallum back playing well, proving wrong everyone who doubted him. People don’t realise how hard it is to have injuries and not come back quite right physically and the effect that has on you mentally. On his day, Kallum’s world-class and I’ve no doubt his mindset is to get back to his best.

“Salford are a good side performing well and getting results at the moment. They’re a big, physical side that work hard; we’ve had some good battles with them over the last few years and Thursday will be no different.”

Every Huddersfield fan wants to know if their hometown hero – Cudjoe has only ever played for Giants and is approaching 300 games – will be playing with them again in 2021.

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He is out of contract at the end of the season but is clearly playing well enough to confirm he has recovered from those injuries.

“There’s no news regarding a new deal yet,” said Cudjoe.

“I’d love to stay; I’ve been here my whole career, I feel I’ve returned in good form and will continue to get better and better.

“All I can do is focus on playing well and one way or another hopefully I will have my future sorted in the next few weeks.”

With Jordan Turner out, stand-off Lee Gaskell is set to return tomorrow, on-loan Halifax hooker Brandon Moore may debut and Joe Wardle also comes in.

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Huddersfield have not lost since Australian head coach Simon Woolford left last month.

Cudjoe said: “I don’t feel Robbo’s changed a whole lot. It’s more the little things and attention to detail has become a big focus.

“He’s a coach that likes to spend time with the players on the field; he enjoys helping players improve and become the best they can. Germ’s (Woolford) departure came as a surprise. It was sudden. I wished him all the best and thanked him for his efforts.”

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James Mitchinson