No rest for Leroy as Giants prepare for toughest test
HE turns 36 in a few weeks but Huddersfield’s Leroy Cudjoe isn’t thinking about resting up any time soon.
Instead, it’s the opposite for the former England centre who’s switched positions and is now increasing his workload in the pack.
Cudjoe, who starred in the 2013 World Cup, used to slice opponents apart with his pace and guile.
But he’ll be getting through the graft in the middle today when Giants host reigning World Club champions St Helens.
Cudjoe explained: “I started at 13 last week due to Yatesy [Luke Yates] being banned.
“But it’s a position I played at the back end of last year and trained all this pre-season in.
“I’ve really enjoyed the transition so far and look forward to building on my performances each week, whether that’s starting or from the bench.”
Club legend Cudjoe is into his 16th season at hometown Huddersfield and is keeping an ‘open mind’ on whether this will be his last year before retiring.
He said: “I’ve had a really good pre-season and feel really good.
“So we will see how the season goes and how my body is feeling. It’s probably a decision I’ll make later on in the year and have conversations with the club and family to see where I am at.
“But for now, I’m feeling really good and enjoying my rugby.”
He has scored 116 tries in 327 games since debuting – with Huddersfield in 2008.
But a major trophy still eludes
Cudjoe with the 2013 League Leaders’ Shield still his only silverware.
Having under-performed last term, missing out on the play-offs, more is expected of Ian Watson’s side this time around.
Last week’s 16-8 opening night win at Challenge Cup holders Leigh was a hint of what’s potentially to come.
But Cudjoe knows today’s opponents will be another step up.
He said: “St Helens are a top team and they’ll be up there again. They’ve recruited very well to add to the quality squad they already have.
“It was good to get the win at Leigh and there were some areas we were happy with – and others we weren’t.
“For us it’s about improving on that performance.
“I’m confident in the squad we have for the season ahead. The key is performing each week, last week’s been and gone now. We must focus on another good performance against Saints.”
Meanwhile, Cudjoe has backed Yates, the Aussie who took to social media this week to urge for consistency from the RFL’s disciplinary process.
He received a three-game ban for a tip-tackle but saw Wigan duo Adam Keighran and Harry Smith escape any suspensions for similar offences.
Cudjoe said: “I agree with everything Yatesy said and understand his frustrations.
“We as a club are frustrated as he’s our captain and an important player for us who has to miss three games. All he’s asking for is consistency as he feels hard done by, which is understandable.”
Similarly, he is firmly behind Alex Walmsley’s stance to get a strong players union up and running to give players a greater say in how the sport is run.
The St Helens and England prop penned an open letter this week highlighting the need for more involvement from players, especially after all the early season controversy surrounding rule changes.
For now I’m feeling really good and enjoying my rugby Leroy Cudjoe
Cudjoe said: “I read Alex Warmsley’s article and support his call for a players’ union.
“I’ve always backed and agreed there should be a voice for the players in the game.
“The issue is there has never been enough buy-in from players for long enough – it’s something we keep talking about but never gets done.
“I do believe with IMG, RFL and Sky now really trying to develop and promote the game it’s a perfect opportunity for a player’s union to work alongside the game.
“But it needs someone to take it on and for every player to back it so we have strength in numbers.
“It won’t happen overnight but with enough support for long enough it will grow and benefit the players of the future in our game.”