Hard work is paying off for Rushton at Giants

HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ Harry Rushton is relishing being back on the field after being sidelined for eight months with an ACL injury.

The 22-year-old’s Giants career was cut short last season – after arriving from a spell in the NRL with Canberra Raiders – after he picked up a serious knee injury.

But all the long months of rehab graft have been rewarded, as Rushton has made an impressive start to 2024.

“It feels great (to be back),” said former Wigan Warriors youngster Rushton. “You forget when you are playing how lucky you are to do this job.

“When you take a step back and have no choice not to play every week, especially the back end of last year, you just have to stay positive and know if I work hard over the next few months I can come back and make a difference.

“The knee is doing fine. I was a bit worried at first, I have had quite a quick return, but the knee has held up fine. I have worked hard over the last seven months.”

Giants coach Ian Watson is delighted to have Rushton available again.

“It’s a big one for us,” Watson told The Yorkshire Post. “Harry knows my affection towards him, as an individual and a player. Harry brings more to the team and the club than just what he does on the field.

“He has spoke about coming back from his injury, but it’s his professionalism in the way he does things and carries himself.

“I am pretty certain he will have a very high-end, top career. It’s just about getting out there, he is still learning.

“It’s about helping him learn, help him develop.”

The Giants travel to London Broncos on Sunday.