ON AN AWAY OPENING FIXTURE
“Apart from a visit to Hull, two or three seasons ago, we haven’t many away, opening fixtures, over the years. There are certain attractions around starting the season with a home tie, because you have the benefit of all your home support turning out to spur you on.
“Not that we have any qualms at all about travelling to Huddersfield, as we always take a good crowd with us there, and we have to play all these sides at some point during the season. We shall just have to go there and win, so that it generates enthusiasm and excitement in readiness for our first home game against London.”
THE HALFBACK DUAL
“Although they have lost their talisman half back, Huddersfield have recruited well with the likes of Akuila Uate and Matt Frawley, both of whom have played regularly in the NRL. Danny Brough’s kicking game has always been instrumental to their performances, so they are going to have to find someone within the squad to take on that role.
“We, however, have got one of the best pair of halves in the competition, and I do believe we can hit our straps right away and the way these two have looked together in training during the close season, fills me with optimism for the coming season.
ON GIL DUDSON
“Gil has been outstanding in the pre-season friendlies. I have always known what he is like as a player and a person from my involvement with Wales, and once he came to us, we were anxious to ensure he was in the right physical condition, because he has had a few injuries in recent years.
In fact, when he arrived he was carrying quite a bit of weight but the fitness staff have got him into great condition for the start of the season.”
ON THE WEATHER CONDITIONS
“There should be no problem about the game going ahead, because with Huddersfield Town being in the Premiership, they have under-soil heating, and the worst of the week’s weather appears now to be past us, so we know that we just have to turn up and perform, as can our fans to give us the support that will boost us on our way.”
