Giant step for Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants began their Super League XIV campaign in style with a 30-8 victory over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
Last Updated: 16/02/09 11:04am
Huddersfield Giants began their Super League XIV campaign in style with a 30-8 victory over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
New signings Simon Finnigan (two) and Shaun Lunt scored three of the Giants' five tries as new coach Nathan Brown got his reign off to a positive start.
David Hodgson and Andy Raleigh also touched down for the visitors, while the Dragons - who handed debuts to Australian trio Jason Ryles, Steven Bell and Shane Perry - were soundly beaten in Kevin Walters first game in charge.
The hosts opened the scoring through Thomas Bosc's 10th-minute penalty and threatened their opponents' line on several occasions in the early stages.
However, after such a promising beginning they found themselves over-run in defence by a visiting side that suffered a blow before a ball was kicked this year when off-season recruit Todd Carney was denied a visa.
Dream debut
Former Salford, Widnes and Bradford second rower Finnigan provided an immediate response for the visitors with his first try for his new club.
David Hodgson also got in on the act in the 34th minute and both conversions were landed to put Huddersfield 12-2 ahead at the break.
The French side, who finished third last season, briefly threatened a fightback when winger Dimitri Pelo scored a converted try early in the second half.
But a second try from Finnigan and further efforts from young hooker Lunt and forward Raleigh - plus three more Brett Hodgson goals - completed a perfect start for Huddersfield.
