Giant blow for Huddersfield

Super League Man of Steel Brett Hodgson is facing a month on the sidelines after damaging left ankle ligaments in Huddersfield's 14-10 home defeat to Warrington on Sunday.

The news is a body blow to the Giants, who rely heavily on their freescoring full-back and captain, who played on for about 25 minutes with the injury before realising the serious nature of it.

"This is hugely disappointing but I'd rather be injured now than towards the end of the season when the key issues could be settled," he said.

The popular Australian, who recently celebrated his 32nd birthday, scored 88 goals and 220 points on a fairytale debut season in Super League to help Huddersfield to Wembley and a third-place finish in the table as well as clinching the most prestigious individual award in the game.

Hodgson has already secured two man-of-the-match awards in the Giants' wins over Bradford and Hull KR this season but missed their defeat at Hull with a back problem.

Leroy Cudjoe will once more switch from the wing to deputise for his captain at Wakefield on Saturday, with Jamahl Lolesi expected to return to the side on the wing after being rested against Warrington.

Huddersfield are also monitoring an injury to second rower Graeme Horne, who had a compression on his neck that went into spasm during Sunday's game.