Ashton Golding's alternative view on Huddersfield Giants role as he prepares for full-back return

Ash Golding is relishing the chance to play full-back again for Huddersfield Giants but insists he is happy anywhere. Boss Ian Watson has confirmed the Jamaica international will start in his traditional number one role at Wakefield with Tui Lolohea serving a one-game suspension.

With Will Pryce also banned, it is a rare opportunity for Golding to feature in the position where he made his name. Giants signed him as a full-back from Leeds Rhinos in 2020 but injuries hampered his first two campaigns at the club.

Even when fit, he found himself sometimes falling down the pecking order behind players like Lee Gaskell, Olly Ashall-Bott and Pryce. Although Gaskell and Ashall-Bott have since moved on, Lolohea has been starring in the position this term - despite originally arriving from Salford Red Devils as a stand-off.

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Golding’s only appearance at full-back this term was in the Challenge Cup game at part-timers Barrow Raiders but he has still shown real value to the squad either off the bench, as hooker or on the wing.

“The thing is with me, I’m just enjoying the group I’m playing with,” said the 25-year-old, as Giants look to get their first win in four games. “I’m enjoying learning new things in the many positions I’m playing and it’s genuinely an honour to take to the field each week wherever it is.

“If it’s at full-back, on the bench, on the wing, centre, 13, honestly, it’s just playing rugby. I’m a rugby player. There’s more to me than just being a full-back.

“And I know I can unlock that with coaches like Watto and Robbo (Luke Robinson) and the lads around me who understand what I bring to the team. I feel like that’s one of my strengths: