Q - Earlier in your career, you were playing in the backs, usually Centre, but in recent years we've seen you transition into the forwards, playing at Loose Forward mostly this season. What goes into making that shift? What steps do you and the club take to help speed up that transition or to make you feel comfortable in a new position?
A - I’d say my ability to learn and transition into a new position came early on in my career, when I first came through I was a Fullback/Standoff. It wasn’t until Nathan Brown came to the club that I transitioned into a Centre. More recently in 2023 Watto moved me into the back row, a position he had mentioned to me early that year, I enjoyed some success there, then moving into the middle came at the end of 2023 when I wasn’t playing and Luke Yates got banned for one game and we didn’t have many options, so I tossed my hand up to play and that was me done, I was now a middle! 2024 Pre-Season I spent all my time getting reps at 13 but still wasn’t sure how I would fit in because Luke Yates was our starting 13, but fortunately for me he was banned for the first game and I kept my position from there. I’ve loved every minute of playing in the middle and learning from players like Yatesy and Chris Hill whilst watching players at other clubs with a similar style to me.
A - I’d say my ability to learn and transition into a new position came early on in my career, when I first came through I was a Fullback/Standoff. It wasn’t until Nathan Brown came to the club that I transitioned into a Centre. More recently in 2023 Watto moved me into the back row, a position he had mentioned to me early that year, I enjoyed some success there, then moving into the middle came at the end of 2023 when I wasn’t playing and Luke Yates got banned for one game and we didn’t have many options, so I tossed my hand up to play and that was me done, I was now a middle! 2024 Pre-Season I spent all my time getting reps at 13 but still wasn’t sure how I would fit in because Luke Yates was our starting 13, but fortunately for me he was banned for the first game and I kept my position from there. I’ve loved every minute of playing in the middle and learning from players like Yatesy and Chris Hill whilst watching players at other clubs with a similar style to me.
Q - As one of the older and more experienced players in the competition, have you learned anything over the years, or made any changes to your routine when it comes to recovery and looking after your body throughout the week?
A - Recovery and preparation is a massive part of my routine ever since I had a few injuries during the years 2018 and 2019. I want to give myself the best chance to train and compete every day to get into the team and then be able to perform well on game day to keep my spot, and to do that I have to make sure my body is recovered and ready to go every day. Before training I will prep with stretching and activation work to make sure everything is firing and ready for training, after training days it's soft tissue massage, air relax machines and swim/hot & colds before a late night stretch before bed. Another area is being consistent with my weight, having knee injuries I don’t want to be too heavy, so the less force I’m putting through my joints the better, whilst being able to be mobile and effective with my carries. The key with my preparation and recovery is staying consistent with it.
A - Recovery and preparation is a massive part of my routine ever since I had a few injuries during the years 2018 and 2019. I want to give myself the best chance to train and compete every day to get into the team and then be able to perform well on game day to keep my spot, and to do that I have to make sure my body is recovered and ready to go every day. Before training I will prep with stretching and activation work to make sure everything is firing and ready for training, after training days it's soft tissue massage, air relax machines and swim/hot & colds before a late night stretch before bed. Another area is being consistent with my weight, having knee injuries I don’t want to be too heavy, so the less force I’m putting through my joints the better, whilst being able to be mobile and effective with my carries. The key with my preparation and recovery is staying consistent with it.
Q - You’ve been with the Huddersfield Giants for 18 seasons now, which is quite rare in today’s game. I’d imagine there’s been interest from other clubs along the way, so what’s been the key to maintaining such a strong relationship with the club over so many years?
A - There has been interest at times from other SL clubs and NRL but Huddersfield have always looked after me. They are my hometown club and they gave me my first opportunity when no one else did. I’m a loyal person so I value that highly. Sometimes it was about timing in my personal life and my contract situation that also played a part, but all in all me and the club have a good relationship and I’d like to think we have both been good for each other.
A - There has been interest at times from other SL clubs and NRL but Huddersfield have always looked after me. They are my hometown club and they gave me my first opportunity when no one else did. I’m a loyal person so I value that highly. Sometimes it was about timing in my personal life and my contract situation that also played a part, but all in all me and the club have a good relationship and I’d like to think we have both been good for each other.
Q - Having been at the club for so long, you’ve probably experienced a range of different pre-season approaches, from trips abroad to army-style camps. In your experience, what kind of pre-season best prepares you mentally and physically going into the season? And what do you find works best for building team chemistry before Round 1?
A - This is a tough question because it really depends on the players and squad you have, and where you are at as a squad and club. Army camps are really good at the right times, they can install mental and physical toughness and bring a group closer together. Warm weather camps can be good for quality and combinations, whilst spending time together, getting to know one another. One thing that is a must every year is preparing the body and mind to be ready for the season ahead and collectively trying to build reps with units and players around you so you're able to start the season off well. The two common themes every club will do is an army camp or warm weather camps.
A - This is a tough question because it really depends on the players and squad you have, and where you are at as a squad and club. Army camps are really good at the right times, they can install mental and physical toughness and bring a group closer together. Warm weather camps can be good for quality and combinations, whilst spending time together, getting to know one another. One thing that is a must every year is preparing the body and mind to be ready for the season ahead and collectively trying to build reps with units and players around you so you're able to start the season off well. The two common themes every club will do is an army camp or warm weather camps.
Q - The most successful Huddersfield team you've been a part of was in 2013, when you won the League Leaders' Shield, what factors went into making the team as strong as it was that year?
A - The main factors in 2013 were we didn’t have many injuries, our team was pretty consistent throughout, especially the spine. We simplified a lot of our focus and played to our strengths. I also think the balance of our team was very good and we had threats all over the park. That period of 13, 14 and 15 we missed an opportunity to win a major trophy in my opinion.
A - The main factors in 2013 were we didn’t have many injuries, our team was pretty consistent throughout, especially the spine. We simplified a lot of our focus and played to our strengths. I also think the balance of our team was very good and we had threats all over the park. That period of 13, 14 and 15 we missed an opportunity to win a major trophy in my opinion.
Q - As a team you've been dealing with a lot of injuries, luckily Huddersfield are starting to get more players back in, but we've seen a different line-up for the Giants nearly every single week this season:
a) What challenges does that bring for the team when preparing for a game on a week to week basis?
b) How does the team go about adjusting on a weekly basis to get the best out of the playing group for that week?
A - The injuries we have sustained this year has been the worst I’ve experienced while at the club, that started from the first day in pre season. We missed a large chunk of our spine in pre season, I think the past three weeks is the most consistent our team has been and that’s shown in performance. When your chopping and changing every week it’s hard to build on combinations and detail amongst each other. As a group, you have to focus on the effort areas of the game and defensive side of the game, by doing that you give yourselves a chance. Resilience is something we spoke about in pre season and without going too much into detail we have faced a lot of adversity and had to be resilient which is a credit to the boys as individuals and the group.
a) What challenges does that bring for the team when preparing for a game on a week to week basis?
b) How does the team go about adjusting on a weekly basis to get the best out of the playing group for that week?
A - The injuries we have sustained this year has been the worst I’ve experienced while at the club, that started from the first day in pre season. We missed a large chunk of our spine in pre season, I think the past three weeks is the most consistent our team has been and that’s shown in performance. When your chopping and changing every week it’s hard to build on combinations and detail amongst each other. As a group, you have to focus on the effort areas of the game and defensive side of the game, by doing that you give yourselves a chance. Resilience is something we spoke about in pre season and without going too much into detail we have faced a lot of adversity and had to be resilient which is a credit to the boys as individuals and the group.
Q - You've also played in two Challenge Cup Finals, one at Wembley and one at Tottenham's Stadium. I'd love to know about your experience with those games. The week leading up to it, the day of the game, being in the middle of it:
a) What can you tell me about those experiences?
b) Over the last few years, the Challenge Cup has maybe lost a bit of its flair. Attendances for the Final aren't as high as they use to be. Would you like to see the Final moved anywhere else or would you change anything about the Cup?
A:
a) Challenge Cup Final week is an amazing experience, the build up to it is massive all week. It’s the talk of the town all week wherever you go, there is a buzz around training and cameras everywhere. There’s a real big feel about it. Going down to London a few days before and the send-off from family and friends is an experience. The game itself, pulling into stadium on the coach with the streets rammed with supporters, playing in a big stadium, it’s a great atmosphere, especially walking out to the roar of the crowd, it’s something I’ll never forget.
b) Having played at both Wembley and Tottenham they were both great experiences and for me I wouldn’t like to see it anywhere else other than them two. Wembley has a lot of history behind it with the Challenge Cup, it’s what we grow up with and playing at Tottenham, one of the best stadiums around, created a great atmosphere so for me them two are the only options. If I had to pick one, it would be Wembley.
a) What can you tell me about those experiences?
b) Over the last few years, the Challenge Cup has maybe lost a bit of its flair. Attendances for the Final aren't as high as they use to be. Would you like to see the Final moved anywhere else or would you change anything about the Cup?
A:
a) Challenge Cup Final week is an amazing experience, the build up to it is massive all week. It’s the talk of the town all week wherever you go, there is a buzz around training and cameras everywhere. There’s a real big feel about it. Going down to London a few days before and the send-off from family and friends is an experience. The game itself, pulling into stadium on the coach with the streets rammed with supporters, playing in a big stadium, it’s a great atmosphere, especially walking out to the roar of the crowd, it’s something I’ll never forget.
b) Having played at both Wembley and Tottenham they were both great experiences and for me I wouldn’t like to see it anywhere else other than them two. Wembley has a lot of history behind it with the Challenge Cup, it’s what we grow up with and playing at Tottenham, one of the best stadiums around, created a great atmosphere so for me them two are the only options. If I had to pick one, it would be Wembley.
Final 5:
Q - Who's the best leader you've played with or been coached by?
A - Sean O'Loughlin with England / Brett Hodgson with Huddersfield
Q - What's your favourite fixture of the year?
A - I’d say Leeds Rhinos.
Q - Do you have a favourite Try or Assist that you've been part of?
A - Favourite Try was Warrington away in the play offs when I intercepted the ball (cheers Leroy) and Assist I’d say my flick pass to Michael Lawrence at home to Saints.
*Click "Try" and "Assist" to see both clips*
Q - Who's the most exciting prospect we should look out for at the Huddersfield Giants?
A - George Flanagan is showing his progress and talent currently with us and below that I’d say we have some good young lads in the academy, two of them debuted this year so I’ll go with Archie Sykes and Jacob Algar.
Q - What three pieces of advice would you give to a young boy or girl that wants to have a career in Rugby League?
A:
1) Be prepared to work hard, the game is too hard not to.
2) Be coachable and have a willingness to learn and take advice and constructive criticism.
3) Be clear on your 'why'. Is it enjoyment? Wanting to be the best? Wanting to better your life? Whatever it is, be clear on your 'why' and give it everything.
Q - Who's the best leader you've played with or been coached by?
A - Sean O'Loughlin with England / Brett Hodgson with Huddersfield
Q - What's your favourite fixture of the year?
A - I’d say Leeds Rhinos.
Q - Do you have a favourite Try or Assist that you've been part of?
A - Favourite Try was Warrington away in the play offs when I intercepted the ball (cheers Leroy) and Assist I’d say my flick pass to Michael Lawrence at home to Saints.
*Click "Try" and "Assist" to see both clips*
Q - Who's the most exciting prospect we should look out for at the Huddersfield Giants?
A - George Flanagan is showing his progress and talent currently with us and below that I’d say we have some good young lads in the academy, two of them debuted this year so I’ll go with Archie Sykes and Jacob Algar.
Q - What three pieces of advice would you give to a young boy or girl that wants to have a career in Rugby League?
A:
1) Be prepared to work hard, the game is too hard not to.
2) Be coachable and have a willingness to learn and take advice and constructive criticism.
3) Be clear on your 'why'. Is it enjoyment? Wanting to be the best? Wanting to better your life? Whatever it is, be clear on your 'why' and give it everything.
Q - Whenever I get the chance to interview someone or ask questions, a constant question I want to include at the end is about a charity that they'd like to promote. Is there a Charity that's important to you that you'd like people to donate to and support?
A - I’d like to mention The Forgot Me Not Trust which is a facility in Huddersfield that care for babies, children and young people up to 21 years of age who have life-shortening and life-threatening conditions. They help support families and their children going through tough times and help make the limited time they have left with loved ones memorable. They have recently had funding cut, so it's crucial they get the support they need.
You can find more information here:
Forget Me Not Children's Hospice - Provides nursing care, hydrotherapy, creative therapy, days out, memory-making, end-of-life care, bereavement support and counselling for families.
A - I’d like to mention The Forgot Me Not Trust which is a facility in Huddersfield that care for babies, children and young people up to 21 years of age who have life-shortening and life-threatening conditions. They help support families and their children going through tough times and help make the limited time they have left with loved ones memorable. They have recently had funding cut, so it's crucial they get the support they need.
You can find more information here:
Forget Me Not Children's Hospice - Provides nursing care, hydrotherapy, creative therapy, days out, memory-making, end-of-life care, bereavement support and counselling for families.
Thank you very much to Leroy for taking the time to answer these questions. You can find Leroy on these Social Media platforms:
X - @Elroy_cudj
Instagram - leroycudjoe88
X - @Elroy_cudj
Instagram - leroycudjoe88