Brough out to keep scoring run on track

HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ inspirational playmaker Danny Brough is looking to keep a long-standing record ticking over as they face Leeds Rhinos in the final round of Super 8s matches at the John Smith’s Stadium tonight (8pm).

Giants half back Brough has scored points in his last 23 games against Leeds – 21 games for Huddersfield and two for Wakefield Trinity.

His scoring streak began in Trinity’s 32-30 home defeat by the Rhinos on July 10, 2009.

And if he plays against Leeds tonight Brough will make his 300th Super League appearance having played 37 for Hull FC, 2005-2006; 10 for Castleford, 2006; 51 for Wakefield, 2008-2010 and 201 for Huddersfield, 2010-2017.

Rhinos half back Rob Burrow needs one try to draw level with former Giants winger David Hodgson – who scored 65 tries in four seasons with Huddersfield – in eighth place in the list of Super League’s all-time leading try scorers. ■■The Giants say farewell to former New Zealand international Sam Rapira tonight and teammate Sebastine Ikahihifo and head coach Rick Stone are sad to see the 31-year-old move on.

Ikahihifo, who played alongside the departing prop at the New Zealand Warriors, said: “He’s been a role model for me, on and off the field – it’s really sad to see him leave.

“It’ll be an emotional game against Leeds, it’ll be like the last Brotherhood game!

“He’s got legendary status at the Warriors – I think he’s left a little bit of that at the Giants too.”

Stone added: “You’d like to think we can send Sam off on the right terms.

“He’s been a terrific player for us and hasn’t missed many games through injury.

“He plays well above his weight but plays with real toughness and skill.

“As a person, he sets good examples and has been terrific to have around the place.”