Chris Thorman praises Huddersfield debutants Olly Russell and Jake Wardle

Huddersfield interim coach Chris Thorman heaped praise on debutants Olly Russell and Jake Wardle following their win over Widnes.

Wardle scored twice and Russell came up with an assist as the Giants beat the Vikings 28-18 at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night.

And Thorman spoke highly of the pair following their win in his last game as interim head coach.

He said: “I thought Olly Russell was composed and astute and stuck to the plan as much as an academy half-back could have done.

“Jake Wardle is going to be some player. He scored a really good couple of tries, took his chances and was unfortunate to be sin-binned at the end. Those two particularly were outstanding, there was also hugely significant contribution from the senior players too.

“I wasn’t surprised how well Jake played. I’ve watched him since he was 15 and he can kick goals from the sideline with his left or his right boot – the kid can do what he wants. He’s had some major setbacks for a kid what with his injuries and micro fractures, which a teenager shouldn’t have to go through, and he’s mentally resilient and mentally strong. He’s one of the best teenagers I’ve seen in my life. We’ve seen Jake Connor come and go and he’s as good as his namesake.

“He’s a Wardle. His brother (Joe) will naturally keep his feet on the ground because he’s a right miserable sod but he’s in good hands! We’ve nurtured him well and he just has to keep his feet on the ground because he’ll do well in this sport.

“He’s different to Joe, Joe openly admits that Jake is the better brother. The thing with them is that they’re tough and that’s not an attribute that comes a lot with young outside backs and he is tough, endurable and has dealt with a number of things already which will stand him in good stead in the future.”

Recently appointed Giants coach Simon Woolford will take charge of his first game on Friday when Huddersfield welcome Wakefield Trinity to the John Smith’s Stadium.