Reformed Huddersfield star Will Pryce has rarely enjoyed a match as much as when he returned from a 10-game ban.
But the maverick stand-off, 19, knows he could be out again just as quickly. He made an instant impact after featuring in Saturday’s impressive 28-12 win at high-flying Catalans Dragons. It was his first outing since the monster suspension for a horror spear tackle in March.
England Knights ace Pryce hopes to retain his spot for Friday’s West Yorkshire derby with visiting Leeds. But competition is fierce at fourth-placed Giants. Despite making a raft of changes in Perpignan, they still bounced back admirably from their agonising Challenge Cup final defeat to Wigan. And now Olly Russell, the 23-year-old playmaker, returns to give Ian Watson yet more options.
Pryce must make the most of any chance but said: “It’s the same for everyone. The squad is big but every single player’s shown they’re worthy of playing. Watto’s made it clear to us all it’s what you do on the field that’ll get you that spot, not politics or whether he likes you or not.
“The best example is Olly (Russell). Media and outsiders probably wouldn’t have thought he’d play as many games as he’s done this year but he’s been outstanding. I’m surprised he’s not in the England Knights squad. He just shows if you work hard and play well, no one’s going to play over you.”
Pryce knows that only too well: his first game back from the ban could have been the Cup final especially when Russell strained a hamstring just eight days before. But the scrum-half recovered (Pryce missed out) and almost led Giants to victory until Liam Marshall’s late try broke hearts. Pryce revealed: “Russ’ was 50/50 to play all week.
“He trained variously and I trained variously. But we were also roommates in London and we spoke on the Thursday. I just said if ‘you’re not 100 per cent don’t push for it but I’d rather you play than me.’ I said we’re mates before teammates and he’d been killing it all year. He told me if he wasn’t 100 percent he’d give me the nod but he’d try and do everything he could to play. He did and came through really well. He had a good game.”
So Pryce had to wait a few more days for his long-awaited comeback at last season’s beaten Grand Finalists Catalans. He said: “It was boiling hot so a tough game to come back in after being out that long. I was knackered! But having had to just watch games for so long, it was nice to be playing again. I really enjoyed it. It was a good win and now we’re looking forward to Leeds.”
