Michael Lawrence to captain Giants

Michael Lawrence will captain Huddersfield in their Super League opener at Hull on Thursday, in the absence of Leroy Cudjoe.

Lawrence, 27, has spent his entire career with the Giants, making more than 230 appearances.

He told the club’s official website: “it’s a massive achievement and something I’m really proud of. To captain this club in the absence of Leroy is something I cherish. I just want to go out there and do the best I can.

“To get off to a good start is important. Last year we were slow and we played catch up. It changes the type of play because you don’t play as free as you should be doing when you’re going well. We’re aiming to get off to a good start.”

Lawrence only made eight appearances last season in an injury hit campaign, but six of those were in the Super 8s campaign.

Club captain Cudjoe is still sidelined with a knee injury.