Ian Watson says Huddersfield star “could have gone to the NRL”

Not only is Huddersfield Giants’ game against Warrington Wolves their first game of the season, it will also be a landmark appearance for winger Jermaine McGillvary.

The winger is set for his 300th appearance at the club and Ian Watson has paid tribute to the winger saying he could have left the Giants for the NRL or other Super League clubs.

Watson said of the winger:

“He’s huge. Anybody who does that, especially in today’s game it’s massive. The loyalty he’s shown the club over the years, he needs to be recognised for that.

“There was a lot of times where he could have probably gone to the NRL or other clubs but he stayed loyal to Huddersfield. He’s backed his decision every time that it was the right thing for him and his family.

“I don’t think there’s much more you can say about Jermaine, apart from like I say with Leroy and Bruno (Michael Lawrence) were in similar situation. They are Huddersfield, they stand for everything good about Huddersfield Giants. They’re like the pinnacle of what Huddersfield is like.

“He’s come back firing and is in great shape, he’s dropped a few kilos as well so hopefully he’s a bit quicker and not lose that power.”

The Giants take on Warrington on Friday night.

The Wolves beat Leeds 42-10 in the opening round whilst the Giants sat out because of St Helens’ commitments to the World Club Challenge.