Brown wary of Saints as Giants face test of their title credentials

The visit of St Helens tomorrow, who they have defeated just four times in the competition’s history, is the latest examination of their credentials.

Huddersfield slipped up against current leaders Warrington on their last home outing but have won all their other games so far.

Saints, meanwhile, were on the wrong end of a classic Super League encounter with Catalan last Friday when Daryl Millard’s try set up a French success.

That proved Catalan as a growing force and a Giants victory over the same opponents tomorrow would certainly enhance the West Yorkshire club’s own reputation.

However, given the manner of that defeat, Brown knows Saints will be as dangerous as ever.

“With 20 seconds remaining, Saints were top of the league and then Catalan scored a try with its fair bit of skill but also luck,” said the Australian.

“Both teams scored 30 plus points which just goes to show the quality both possess.

“We know we’ll need a high percentage of our squad contributing as you can’t have five or six blokes below par; we need a solid, consistent performance to do well against good sides.

“We are really excited about the game though. We had a win and a loss against Saints last season and I feel we can do a good job against them this year.”

Brown faces a selection dilemma given full-back Greg Eden, so impressive before missing last week’s win at London through illness, is fit again but his deputy Aaron Murphy proved more than adequate on his first appearance since joining from Wakefield.

Adam Walker replaces Jacob Fairbank in Huddersfield’s 19-man squad.