THE BULL ENGLISH
Mercurial Matty backs Giants to put a new name on the Super League trophy
MATTY ENGLISH reckons Huddersfield can put a new name on the Betfred Super League trophy – especially with wind-up merchant Jake Connor back in their side.
Only four clubs – Leeds, St Helens, Wigan and Bradford – have won the competition in its 27-year history. Super League is crying out for new champions and Giants, Challenge Cup finalists last year, are seen as the next big hope.
England Knights prop English said: “I’ve been here a while now and you all try to buy in and believe your own hype. Sometimes we’ve sat in the changing rooms thinking it’s going to be our year – this time I think it actually could be.
“It was a disappointing end to last season. We let ourselves down after what we’d built. But with the squad we have this year, some of the big names brought in, it does feel possible we’re going to do it.”
After losing to Wigan in the Challenge Cup final, third-placed Huddersfield fell at the first play-off hurdle against Salford.
But they’ve recruited genuine quality in ex-St Helens centre Kevin Naiqama, Gold Coast star Esan Marsters and, of course, Connor (above).
The mercurial England interna- tional, renowned for his sledging as much as his skill, has returned from Hull to bring yet more X-Factor.
English said: “I was here when he left but was only young and never played with him. He’s a character. I’m glad he’s going to be on my side and not playing against me as he always had something to say in my ear. He called me a fatty quite a lot and told me to stop eating. It’d get quite personal! He just loves winding everyone up.
“He got in Danny Levi’s head big time last year. Danny was off his game for a little bit.
“I don’t know exactly what he said to him but I knew he’d really wound him up as Danny wanted to smack him at half-time.
“Everyone’s so shocked when they meet Jake off the field, though, as he’s such a quiet guy. He’s still a bit of a joker but I’m really excited to see what he brings.”
Super League kicks off on Thursday but Huddersfield – who have not lifted a championship since 1962 – have a free weekend as planned opponents Saints are on World Club Challenge duty.
Giants open against Warrington on February 24 and English said: “I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing. Yes, we get a look at what Warrington are like and what everyone else is doing but we’re ready to go now. It feels like a long old pre-season. We started in midNovember.
“Everyone plays the game to play rugby, not just train.”