Huddersfield Giants ‘legend’ set for milestone appearance: ‘Words can’t describe how important he is to us’
Leroy Cudjoe in action for Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants coach Ian Watson has paid tribute to ‘legend’ Leroy Cudjoe ahead of making a landmark appearance for his hometown club.
The 35-year-old centre could make his 350th appearance in Friday’s game against Super League rivals Wakefield after making a return to Ian Watson’s 21-man squad.
Cudjoe has scored 132 tries in 349 games since making his first team debut for the Giants back in 2008.
Speaking ahead of Cudjoe’s proud milestone appearance, Watson said: “Words can’t describe how important he is to us as a group and the club as a whole.
“The way he has gone about his full career, he is a proper professional and is someone who loves the club and the sport.
“He is always doing stuff in the community. He is held in the highest regard, not just in our club but in rugby league.
“He’s a proper legend of the club so I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“I probably wouldn’t do him justice with words because he is phenomenal in what kind of guy he is.”
Cudjoe won 10 caps for England between 2010-13, representing his country at the 2013 World Cup – the same year he was named in the Super League Dream Team.
Huddersfield Giants team news: Leroy Cudjoe returns for milestone game
Veteran centre Cudjoe has returned to Watson’s side for Friday’s visit of Wakefield, with Jamaica international Ashton Golding also in line to return following a lengthy injury lay-off.
Forward Joe Greenwood has also been included in Watson’s side, but the Giants will be without key prop Seb Ikahihifo and Harvey Livett due to injury.
Huddersfield: Connor, McGillvary, Marsters, Naiqama, Bibby, Lolohea, Hill, Peats, Greenwood, McQueen, Yates, Golding, English, Wilson, Cudjoe, Russell, Halsall, Ashworth, Hewitt, Pryce, Milner.
Wakefield: Jowitt, Lyne, Lineham, Lino, Battye, Hood, Whitbread, Ashurst, Pitts, Kay, Bowden, Atoni, Kershaw, Proctor, Langi, Bowes, Law, Dagger, Croft, Shaw, Fifita.
The Round 18 Super League fixture takes place at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night, 7:45pm kick-off.
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