Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown compared his fullback Greg Eden with Melbourne’s champion Billy Slater after he played a starring role in a 22-12 win over Leeds that took the Giants back to the top of Super League.
Eden, 21, who was signed by Huddersfield in the off-season from Castleford, scored one try and made one for winger Jermaine McGillvary as Brown’s men won at Headingley against the defending premiers for the second successive season.
Impressive forwards Eorl Crabtree and Jason Chan also scored tries for the Giants but Eden provided the main talking point.
“He’s got the potential to be one of greatest players in this competition, there’s no doubt about that at all,” said Brown.
“He’s the British version of Billy Slater. That’s how Billy Slater was when he was young. He can do things most other players in this competition or the NRL can’t do.
“The sky’s the limit for that kid. He’s brilliant. He’s young and with youth comes a bit of pain at times.
“But the only thing stopping that kid from being a great player will be bad luck or he doesn’t work hard on his game. He just needs to keep a level head and he’ll be sensational over time.”
Leeds were much improved from their 46-6 mauling at St Helens but were still no match for a superbly-drilled Huddersfield side who bounced back from defeat at Hull KR and took advantage of Warrington’s home defeat by St Helens to return to pole position.
“The commitment and effort was much better from both sides,” added Brown.
“Our ball control and execution was not up to the required standard but to come to Leeds and win is a fine achievement.”
Leeds opened the scoring through Zak Hardaker but trailed 22-6 before Kylie Leuluai grabbed a consolation try near the end.
Coach Brian McDermott had no complaints over the outcome but was pleased with his side’s improvement from their display against St Helens.
“A couple of quick-fire tries by Huddersfield early in the second half was probably the difference,” he said.
“Overall our performance was a lot better than last week. It’s disappointing that three tries came from soft missed tackles.
“That’s easily fixed but I would rather Huddersfield had had to work far harder for some tries.
“Having said that, I thought they defended really well and came up with a bit of enterprise for a couple of tries. I’ve no complaints, I thought they deserved to win the game.”
Leeds, who were without five internationals through injury, were consoled by the performance of 18-year-old Stevie Ward, who was given his full debut at halfback in the absence of Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow and acquitted himself well.
“We rate Stevie,” added McDermott, who compared the academy product to captain Kevin Sinfield.
“We don’t mind blooding young fellas and he certainly warranted his selection.
“He’s a very confident young man, very Kevin like.”