Giant display delights Sharp

'Rocket' Rod earns comparisions to Jason Robinson

Last updated: 24th February 2008

Huddersfield Giants Rod Jensen tackled by a Bradford Bull

Jensen: Praised by Sharp

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Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp was full of praise for his side after they handed out a 12-try hammering to Castleford.

The Giants opened their Super League account in fine style with a 64-12 win over the depleted Tigers at the Galpharm Stadium.

Captain Chris Thorman led the way with a try and eight goals from 12 attempts, helping to erase the memories of defeats to Leeds and Bradford in their previous two outings.

"I was really pleased with the performance," added Sharp. "I asked for a response after last week and got it.

"We played really good attacking stuff and defended well. Our support play in particular was excellent.

"There were signs against Bradford last week that we were improving and, unfortunately for Castleford, it all came together in the one game."

Lively Rocket

Sharp picked out the performance of Rod Jensen, comparing the Australian to former rugby league legend Jason Robinson.

The winger, nicknamed 'Rocket', certainly sparked into life against the Tigers after he was switched to full-back following a reshuffle caused by an injury to scrum-half Luke Robinson.

"We had been thinking in the close season of giving him some game time at full-back and today he showed what he can do," confessed Sharp.

"I thought the crowd responded well to him being back there. The air of anticipation every time he touched the ball was similar to Jason Robinson when he carried the ball in his rugby league days.

"Every time he touched the ball he created something. It's another string to Rocket's bow."

Castleford coach Terry Matterson refused to use injuries as an excuse, admitting the 17 on display had not done themselves justice.

The Tigers, who were down to the bare bones, are now the only side without a point to their name and for Matterson the performance bought back memories of two years ago when they were relegated from the top-flight.

No excuses

"I was hoping we wouldn't have any of those performances from two years ago but we have now," he said. "We've got to deal with it and move on.

"I could reel off excuses - I had 17 players to pick from - but we've got to look to the 17 on the field and they're better than that.

"What we served up didn't do justice to the supporters who came in numbers. I thought they were fantastic and I feel for them.

"We're three games in and we've got to do better."