Huddersfield's Leroy Cudjoe looking to make his third final | Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

There is a Huddersfield hero who goes by the name of Leroy Cudjoe. Also an experienced head within Rugby League, the 36-year old has seen plenty of highs and lows at the Giants over the years with 2024 being Cudjoe's 16th senior season.

On Sunday, Cudjoe and his team-mates will find themselves 80 minutes from Wembley Stadium and a Betfred Challenge Cup Final – a trophy the club haven’t been able to get their hands on since 1953.

Cudjoe has come close on two occasions throughout his playing career, as he looks to reach the sport’s most famous final for a third time with his hometown club.

The Giants' most recent piece of silverware comes in the form of the 2013 League Leaders' Shield, and although Cudjoe refers to this moment as one of his career highlights, winning a major final is the something he is eager to accomplish.

“The Challenge Cup is a special competition,” Cudjoe said. “It’s up there with the Super League Grand Final for me – the knockout style makes it exciting.

“I always remember the buzz of cup final week whether that was us playing a part of it or watching as a kid on the BBC and its build-up.

“It’s still a special competition to us players. Any competition where you get to play on the big stage with a chance of winning silverware is special.”

The Giants’ journey to this year’s semi-final has been impressive - consisting of comfortable wins over Hull FC and one of the competition’s favourites Catalans Dragons.

 

 

Ian Watson’s men came up with a perfect performance in the south of France as Huddersfield confidently booked their place in the semis last month - ending the Dragons’ unbeaten home run in the process.

As always, a committed Cudjoe played a significant role in his side’s victories and reflected on this year so far:

“I’m really enjoying my rugby at the minute. Even at my age I’m still learning and evolving as a player especially now I’m playing in the forwards. It’s been really refreshing and a challenge I’m enjoying.

“I think we’ve had solid start to the season and been consistent in most games in the areas we value as a group,” Cudjoe continued.

“We know we have a way to go to be where we want to be, but each week we keep building and striving to be better.

“The Catalans game away in the cup was a real highlight. Catalans is never an easy place to go and win, so to do that with a quality performance was a highlight.

“We as a club always get written off so Catalans in a cup draw was no different. We know the quality we have and the performances we can deliver and it’s down us to go out and show this consistently.

“And now we have to do it in the semi-final. Our cup journey has been really good with the two wins over Super League opposition so far. But it means nothing if we don’t go and get the win this weekend.”

The club captain’s first ever Wembley appearance came in 2009 as a youngster, where the Giants faced Warrington Wolves - who are their opposition this Sunday in St Helens.

 

 

From this Challenge Cup Final a staggering 15 years ago, Cudjoe is the only remaining Super League player from both sides of the team sheet, which in itself is a phenomenal feat.

Walking out at Wembley having just turned 21-years old, the day still sticks out in Cudjoe’s mind, despite the occasion ending in a devastating defeat:

“2009 was a great experience at such a young age but the result and our performances were really disappointing – we never really gave ourselves a chance. 

“But I remember it all from that final. I was nervous in the changing rooms and then when I went out for warm-up in front of all the Giants fans it was amazing, and helped me relax a little bit. 

“I think just seeing the town come down in numbers and support us was a real buzz, but like I say, the day just didn’t go our way."

It would take Cudjoe another 13 years to feature in a Challenge Cup Final once more - this time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022. As Huddersfield led 14-12 with minutes remaining, it looked as though the West Yorkshire club would finally end one of the longest waits.

 

 

But it wasn’t to be as Wigan Warriors would go on to snatch an extraordinary late win and claim their 20th Challenge Cup title - breaking the Huddersfield hearts.

“The final in 2022 hurt a lot," Cudjoe admitted. "It took me 13 years to get back to a final and we had played so well in it. We were leading with a few minutes to go and then Wigan made the most of key momentum in the game to nick it at the end.

“It still hurts but it is motivating for the semi-final this year - the focus and determination is to get back to a final. That’s where we as a club want to be, playing in finals and big games. 

“Past experiences will certainly be a motivation and we know we’ve got that semi-final to win first.”

The sides are no strangers to each other when it comes to Challenge Cup meetings, having met in 2012's semi-final and 2013's quarter-final - both of which Warrington won.

And as Huddersfield prepare to face the Wolves in Sunday’s semi-final, Cudjoe is expecting a tough test from Sam Burgess’ men, who they will face for the first time this year:

“Warrington have improved a lot under Sam [Burgess]. Warrington teams have always been able to attack and put points on the board, but I think Sam has installed a real effort and defensive mentality into them. 

“Having played with Sam I know the type of leader he is and players will follow and buy in to the standards and culture he’s trying to create. 

“It’s going to be a really tough arm wrestle game but one we are looking forward to - these are the games you want to be involved in.”

Stalwart Cudjoe has seen players come and go at the Huddersfield club over the two decades where he has loyally remained, but firmly believes they have a strong side who are capable of competing this time in 2024:

“We have good attacking players who can score point and create opportunities. Then we’ve got the defensive efforts off the ball that will be key for us.

“Everyone wants to be in these finals and I’m sure if we keep improving, then I’m confident we will be in those big games.”

 

 

With well over 350 career appearances under his belt, the 36-year-old shows no signs of slowing and as a key leader in the Huddersfield side, Cudjoe hopes he can inspire others to show similar dedication.

A Huddersfield man through and through, Cudjoe wouldn't have it any other way:

“It never gets old pulling on this shirt. It’s a privilege to be able to do what I do especially at my hometown club. I still have the same passion and desire for this club to do well as I did all those years ago.

“I’m someone who is passionate about the game and the club and I want to keep pushing myself to get better, keep learning and to push others to as well."

As the Challenge Cup competition comes close to reaching its conclusion next month, it would be the ultimate dream for Cudjoe to bring silverware back to his hometown, but he knows they will have to see off an ambitious Warrington side in the semi-final first:

“I would like to win a major trophy with this club before the end of my playing days. It would mean a lot to be able to play a small part in bringing home a major trophy – not just for me but for everyone involved with Huddersfield.

“My focus now is just the semi-final on Sunday.”

Could it be a third time lucky for Leroy Cudjoe?

 

Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cup!

 

Watch Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves' Semi-Final on Sunday 19 May, live on BBC Two (K.O. 3:15pm).

General Admission tickets are also on sale for Sunday's Betfred Challenge Cup double-header. Click here to purchase!

 

A full Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Finals Preview can be found here.

 

The Men's 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final (KO 3pm) is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the finals of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup (KO 11.45am) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.