Thorman confident new coach can save the Giants

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS caretaker coach Chris Thorman hopes the club’s new appointment as head coach is “the right decision” and says there remains plenty of time to rescue an ailing campaign.

Australian Simon Woolford, in his second season leading Newcastle Knights’ NSW Cup side, is reportedly the man who will take over at the West Yorkshire club.

It is understood Huddersfield are merely awaiting visa confirmation for the 43 year-old.

Assistant Thorman – still looking for his first win since taking charge after Rick Stone’s sacking on March 27 – said: “We’re nearing a decision and nearing learning about that in the next week or two.

“Having spoke with (managing director) Richard (Thewlis) and (chairman) Ken (Davy), we hope it’s the right decision for the club moving forward.

“Until then, myself, Luke Robinson and Mark Andrews will keep operating how we have been doing and keep trying to get the most out of this group.”

Huddersfield are down to 11th, without a win in seven games and were humiliated 66-4 at St Helens last weekend with another tough game to come at Warrington Wolves on Friday.

Thorman hopes the coaching vacancy will be sorted soon as long as it’s not rushed.

“Obviously if it’s someone from overseas – and there are a few hoops to jump through – then so be it,” he said.

“But once they’ve made the decision, it needs to happen sooner, rather than later.

“There’s a massive chunk of the league season left and if you look at the table then, yes, it’s not pretty reading for us.

“But with the chunk of games we have left, there’s still more than enough games we should be capable of picking up the two points in.”

Full-back Jake Mamo and back-row Michael Lawrence return from injury tomorrow, Lee Gaskell hopes to be fit while Jared Simpson also comes in with Innes Senior, 17, left out.

Thorman said: “Watching the Saints game again, it was a pretty tough video session for them all.

“It was mostly effort-based stuff that wasn’t good enough; too many people gave up.

“It’s another chance at Wolves to put that right this week.”