17 January 2024 , 19:50
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Huddersfield utility man Ashton Golding has likened himself to a Swiss Army knife - promising a cutting edge wherever he plays in 2024.
The Jamaica international, 27, is looking forward to the new Super League season more than most. He managed just eight games last year after a succession of injuries and was limited to only ten in 2021. But Golding is ready to put those woes behind him when Giants kick-off the new campaign next month.
The ex-Leeds full-back, who’s now a versatile bench player for Ian Watson’s side, admitted: "It’s massively important for me this year. I’m a very competitive person in everything I do. But this year my goal has changed: I just need to be available.
“I’m at that stage of my career now where the more games I play, the more I can showcase what I’m about and the values I have as a player. I just need to play more and hopefully without any injuries.”
Golding insists he doesn’t mind where he plays. He said: “I’ve been given the 14 shirt so, for that, for me means I’m a utility position. I’ve done a bit at hooker, some at loose forward, been used in the centre and on the wing. I’m a Swiss Army knife; if you need it fixing I’ll do a job!
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“Obviously, my love is full-back. But when you’ve got Tui Lolohea stepping like he was five years ago and Jake Connor fully firing again as well, I’m more than happy to play wherever’s needed.”
Ash Golding, left, celebrates with try-scoring former Huddersfield team-mate Chris McQueen (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)But the main aim is that Huddersfield fire as a team after last year’s woeful ninth-place finish. Golding said: “As a playing group we want to be more consistent. We know the pressures that comes with playing for Huddersfield Giants and the badge demands that.
"But we want that pressure. We believe in ourselves as players. I truly believe we have the right core of players to do it and we’re really excited by what we can do. But it’ll be one game at a time.”