O’Donnell hungry for Giants success

Huddersfield back-rower Luke O’Donnell is hoping to go all the way with the Giants this season as he gears up for his 200th career game at the weekend.

O’Donnell, 30, is in his first season at the Galpharm Stadium since moving from North Queensland Cowboys and is hoping to push Huddersfield to success in both the Challenge Cup and Super League.

He told the Giants’ official website: “Every team wants to be in contention come the end of the season and we are no different. I’ve played in a losing Grand Final in Australia and it would be great to get an opportunity to do well in both competitions here and hopefully go all the way.”

Huddersfield host St Helens in front of the SKY TV cameras on Saturday, two of the four clubs locked together on 18 points at the top of the Super League table.

O’Donnell added: “We know as a team that we have been a little disappointing in the last few weeks and we are all aware of what we need to do. We have worked really hard this week leading into Saturday’s game so hopefully we can put in a big performance and get back to playing the way we know we can.

“I haven’t really given it much thought to the fact it’s my 200th game to be honest, I don’t keep track of how many games I have played. I’ve missed my fair share of games in my career so far so it’s nice to get to 200. As far as Saturday goes I’ll be treating it like any other game, but it’s nice to know that I’ve reached a milestone.”

O’Donnell started his career at Balmain and then Wests Tigers, before moving to the Cowboys in 2004. He has 10 caps for Australia, and has played City Origin and State of Origin with New South Wales.