Faiumu cleared for Huddersfield

Huddersfield’s new Kiwi, David Faiumu, has finally got his work permit and hopes to embark on his career with them as soon as this Sunday.

After two months of struggle with red tape, the New Zealand Test hooker has been given the go-ahead and has signed a contract taking him through to after the 2011 season.

“He’s an experienced Kiwi international with his best years ahead of him, so it’s a real coup to get him to the Giants,” said the club’s managing director, Richard Thewlis.

Faiumu, who has had a successful NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys, is available for Huddersfield’s match at Castleford on Sunday.

“I intend to train the house down and hopefully get the nod for the weekend,” he said.

Forcing his way into the Giants’ side will not be made easier by their last result, a 34-4 win at Wigan, that has had considerable ramifications for the home side.

Wigan have accepted Gareth Hock’s five match ban for grabbing the referee and are also likely to be without Iafeta Paleaaesina after the prop damaged an ankle in the Huddersfield match.

They are still without two other injured forwards, Sean O’Loughlin and Paul Prescott, for tomorrow night’s game against Hull.

A Wigan hero of the past, Steve Hampson, could be on his way back to the club in his capacity as a fitness and conditioning expert. That was one of the changes flagged up by the club’s chairman, Ian Lenagan, at a fans’ forum this week.

Paul Cooke’s future with Hull KR remains in doubt after he was left out of their squad for tomorrow’s game at home to the Catalan Dragons. Cooke has been left out since reports, not confirmed or denied by the club, that he had been sent home from training earlier this month.