CUDJOE BELIEVE IT
Leroy’s Giant steps
HUDDERSFIELD’S “forgotten man” Leroy Cudjoe is ready to make up for two years of misery.
That’s the prediction of coach Simon Woolford, who has hardly seen the former England centre play since taking over at the start of 2018.
Home-town star Cudjoe made one comeback appearance last year only for his injury jinx to strike again. Since the end of 2017, he has played in just 11 matches – and Woolford admits he’s found that frustrating.
The Aussie said: “I must admit that he has tested my patience for the last couple of years. It has been a long road for Leroy. He has had a bludger of a couple of years.”
Cudjoe, who has suffered two separate knee injuries and had major surgery, had the captaincy and his No.3 shirt taken off him by Woolford in January. But his latest rehab programme has gone so well he is expected to make his comeback when Super League restarts, possibly in August.
Woolford said: “I have seen footage of him in his prime and he is a fantastic player.
“If we can get him back to 80 or 90 per cent of what he was, then we will have some player.
“He is a bit of a forgotten man but I think he is going to be a little ace up our sleeve come the back half of the year.”
Cudjoe, 32, was expected to play in a reserve game just before the season was halted in March.
“This time off has benefited him to a certain extent because he’s had another 12 weeks or so,” Woolford told the Workington Town webcast.
“He’s flying and ready to go but unfortunately we’re not going to have reserve games now so he won’t have the luxury of a game or two there to get some confidence back.
“He’s ready to go but whether he gets a game straight away for us I’m not sure. It depends on how the boys come back.
“Leroy’s first opportunity might be on the bench but all I know for sure is I am really happy for him.”
Giants won four of their opening five Super League games before the lockdown – and Woolford wants similar fireworks when they return.
He said: “The boys are hungry to get back and I don’t see any reason why we can’t have a successful year and go for silverware.”