Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves - Giants' early-season woes not related to fitness, insists coach Paul Anderson

HUDDERSFIELD Giants head coach Paul Anderson has dismissed talk that poor fitness levels are the reason why they are bottom of Super League.
Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson.Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson.
Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson.

The West Yorkshire club host leaders Warrington Wolves on Friday evening having won just once all season.

Giants fell away in the final quarter when losing 37-20 at Hull FC a week ago and have struggled late on at other times during their nine defeats.

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However, Anderson maintains he has no concerns about their fitness.

“We’ve been hanging on to the fact it’s something we’ve been doing wrong for the last few weeks now,” he said.

“We’ve shown the lads plenty of footage which shows that when we execute our plays, this is how good we are.

“We’ve just got to do it more. I’ve heard rumours we’re not fit enough but it’s a load of rubbish, to be honest. Everyone is expecting the worst of Huddersfield at the moment, and we’re just looking to improve.

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“We’ve got to take some small steps forward and keep trying to improve week-on-week.

“How do you eat an elephant? One chunk at a time. So, we’ve got to have belief in our processes.”

Conversely, Warrington are impressive, losing for only the second time this year when falling against St Helens last week.

Tony Smith is seeking a maiden Super League title for the Wolves and Anderson admitted: “I think they’re a very good team.

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“They like to play; Tony isn’t worried about errors and he likes them doing things.

“Matty Russell does some good stuff at the back, there’s Daryl Clark and Chris Hill up top and then you’ve got guys like Jack Hughes on the edges – where do you want me to stop?!

“They’re playing with confidence and playing quick.”

What Anderson would do to be able to get his own side operating with such traits.

Huddersfield’s chances of reviving their campaign are hindered given they are missing two of their key forwards in Eorl Crabtree and Larne Patrick.

Gene Ormsby, the winger who impressed on debut at Hull, is ineligible as part of his one-month loan deal from Warrington.