Rick Stone has added intensity to Huddersfield Giants' cause

New Huddersfield Giants coach Rick Stone has had an instant impact after arriving in the UK a week ago today.
Hudderafield Giants new head coach Rick Stone.Hudderafield Giants new head coach Rick Stone.
Hudderafield Giants new head coach Rick Stone.

Training at the Giants – who face a relegation fight in the Middle 8s end-of-season format as they sit bottom of Super League – has intensified since Stone arrived from Australia.

“We have worked harder in the last week than we probably have for the majority of the season,” said Giants veteran Eorl Crabtree.

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There was no instant dividend as Huddersfield lost 34-18 to St Helens on Sunday and now face four away games in the Qualifiers. But prop Crabtree, 33, believes Stone has made a positive impression since replacing the axed Paul Anderson as head coach.

“It’s been great having someone in fresh, someone who is quite animated,” said Crabtree, whose side complete their regular season on Saturday against Warrington Wolves.

“He wants us to be very consistent, but to work hard. Our work ethic has got to be higher. He has put us through our paces and the intensity has risen through the entire team.

“Ahead of Warrington, this is like a mini pre-season and training is where it starts.”

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Huddersfield have won just six games and were punished by Saints on Sunday for continually conceding possession.

“It epitomised our season,” said Crabtree. “We are making mistakes, backing them up with more mistakes, and penalties, and letting in soft tries.

“We made it easy for Saints. We set a target to make just six errors in the whole game, and we ended up making nine in the second half alone. You just can’t physically do that. We need to be a bit smarter and hold onto the ball.”