Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants: Brough wants Giants to build on Leeds effort

The West Yorkshire club picked up a valuable point with a 22-22 draw against champions Leeds Rhinos on Good Friday.

It was caretaker coach Chris Thorman’s first match in charge since Rick Stone’s sacking last Tuesday.

Swiftly on, Huddersfield visit Perpignan this afternoon with bottom-placed Catalans Dragons having lost seven of their eight games thus far.

Granted, Giants only have two wins to their name but clearly this is a fine opportunity to build.

Former Man of Steel Brough said: “There were a lot of positives against Leeds.

“Obviously we’re really disappointed we didn’t get the win; they scored a late try when we were in control.

“Little lapses in concentration like that have cost us a lot of tries all season. But we’re pleased we got a response; the lads’ effort was great and now we just have to pick ourselves up and go again Monday.

“We have to build on it and play better again. Obviously against Catalans we’re both fighting down at the bottom.

“It’ll be the best team that comes out on top and hopefully it’s us but we have to work again.”

Huddersfield’s appetite to defend was clear for all to see against Leeds and stand-off Brough, 35, added: “You have to scramble and fight for everything when you’re down at the bottom.

“Showing desire like that is key. There was a few lapses in concentration when they scored soft tries which was more disappointing.

“But that’s been the story of our season; we haven’t been consistent week in, week out so we have to go there against Catalans and perform again.

“If we play consistently we have a very good chance. If we don’t we’ll get dusted again.

“But we know we have the chance to turn our season around. That’s what we’re going to France for.”

Thorman could hand debuuts to Colton Roche and Matty English following their recalls from York and Dewsbury respectively while Scotland second-row Dale Ferguson is back from injury.

Youngsters Tyler Dickinson, Sam Hewitt and Louis Senior – the latter two having debuted against Leeds – make way but Senior’s twin-brother Innes, 17, comes in for potentially his bow.