Huddersfield Giants coach full of praise for World Cup hopeful Danny Levi
Photo: Alex Whitehead / SWpix
Huddersfield coach Ian Watson has hailed the impact of new signing Danny Levi, who is hoping to play in the World Cup at the end of the year.
The 26-year-old has hit the ground running at the Giants after joining the Super League club on a two-year deal.
Levi made 112 appearances in the NRL for Newcastle Knights, Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos before making the move over to England.
The Wellington-born hooker has starred in both of Huddersfield’s wins this season against Toulouse and Hull KR.
Watson said: “Danny’s a good player. We knew what we are going to get with Danny coming across.
“The good thing is, is that he is a very good attacking player but he’s a big body defensively as well so he doesn’t mind putting his body in the way.
“A big key for us is making sure defensively he is very good in the middle of the field so teams aren’t getting a roll on us and playing quick.”
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Levi made his international debut for New Zealand, the country of his birth, in 2017. He won four caps for the Kiwis and played in the 2017 World Cup.
The Maori All Stars representative then switched allegiances to Samoa in 2019. He represented his Samoan heritage that year by earning a full cap in a mid-season test before playing for them in the Nines World Cup.
Watson is unsure on who Levi will be playing for at the World Cup, but said his star signing is keen on playing in the tournament.
Watson added: “He was selected in the extended New Zealand squad at the back end of last year.
“He might have a selection to choose from… He might have to make a decision at the back end of the year!
“I know he’s played for Samoa and he’s proud to represent the international teams and getting a place in the World Cup so we’ll see where he is at the back end of the year.
“But for now, he just needs to focus on what he’s doing for Huddersfield, look after his performances and that’ll fall in line.”
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