Anderson praises returning Lunt

Huddersfield head coach Paul Anderson praised hooker Shaun Lunt on his return to the John Smith’s Stadium against Widnes at the weekend.

Lunt, 25, scored a hat-trick as the Giants ran out 36-12 winners, in Lunt’s first appearance in front of the home fans since his loan spell at Leeds last season.

Discussions had taken place about making his switch to Headingley, where he won the Super League Grand Final, permanent, but they broke down and the Cumbrian returned to Huddersfield to hook-up with Anderson’s new regime.

Anderson told the club’s official website: “Lunt is a class player – there is no doubt about that. One thing I know teams will try and do with ‘Lunty’ is they will try and find him out defensively. Now I know he has scored three tries, but defensively they challenged him and he was very, very good.

“Overall his attitude has been great. He has come back here a winner and his whole demeanour and the way he talks is just a real positive for our group.”

Lunt scored nine tries in 24 appearances for the Rhinos last season, having played the first six games for Huddersfield.

He helped his side overturn a 12-0 first half deficit to win against Widnes, with the Giants scoring 30 points without response after half time.