Matty English feels Huddersfield Giants are primed to finally become a new name on the Betfred Super League trophy - especially with wind-up merchant Jake Connor back on their side.
Only four clubs - Leeds, St Helens, Wigan and Bradford - have ever won the competition in its 27 year history. Super League is crying out for new champions and Huddersfield, Challenge Cup finalists last year, are earmarked by many as the next big hope. England Knights prop English, 25, said: “I've been here a while now and you all try to buy in and believe your own hype.
“Sometimes we’ve sat in the changing rooms thinking it’s going to be our year but finally I think it actually could. It was a disappointing end to last season. I feel we let ourselves down after what we’d built. But with the squad we’ve this year, some of the big names we’ve brought in, it does feel possible we’re going to do it.”
After losing to Wigan in the Challenge Cup final, third-placed Huddersfield lost at the first play-off hurdle against Salford. But they’ve recruited genuine quality in ex-St Helens centre Kevin Naiqama, Gold Coast star Esan Marsters and, of course, Connor. The mercurial England international, renowned for his sledging as much as his skill, has returned from Hull to bring yet more X-Factor. English said: “I was here when he left but was only young and never played with him.
“He’s a character. I’m glad he’s going to be on my side and not against me as he always had something to say in my ear. He called me a fatty quite a lot and told me to stop eating. It’d get quite personal! He just loves winding everyone up. He got in Danny Levi’s head big time last year. Danny Levi was off his game for a little bit.
"I don’t know exactly what he said but I knew he’d wound him up as Danny wanted to smack him at half-time. He wasn’t happy. Everyone’s so shocked when they meet Jake off the field, though, as he’s such a quiet guy. He’s still a bit of a joker but I’m really excited to see what he brings.”
Super League kicks-off on Thursday but Huddersfield - who’ve not lifted a championship since 1962 - have a free weekend as planned opponents Saints are on World Club Challenge duty. Giants open against Warrington on Friday week and English said: “I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing. We get a look at what Warrington are like and what everyone else is doing but we’re ready to go. It feels like a long old pre-season. We started in the middle of November. Everyone plays the game to play rugby, not just train.”
But he knows Huddersfield’s squad is as strong and deep as ever before with talent everywhere. English has been a regular since coming through the club’s academy but realises he’s no longer nailed on for a place. He said: “As a middle, I’m looking around thinking ‘I’m going to have to play well to keep my spot.
“It’s the same in every position. Wingers, halves, we’ve got loads of centres so I don’t know what Watto’s going to do. I’m glad he’s making the decision and not me. But Watto mentioned how it’s the squad that wins the trophy. Saints have proved that year in year out. You’re not going to get your one to 17 out every week so it’s who comes in to replace the man when needed and I do feel we have that this year in every position.”
