Giants gain confidence after turning focus in on themselves

Victory over Bradford Bulls tomorrow would secure the club’s play-off place, something which until recently looked severely threatened after they hit a calamitous run of form.

One win in nine games saw Nathan Brown axed and his replacement did not find it much easier in the aftermath.

However, consecutive triumphs over Catalan Dragons and Salford City Reds have restored some much-needed belief.

Anderson said: “The mood in the camp has changed. It’s amazing what two wins can do.

“It boosts confidence and we are finding ways to win games now which is positive.

“We have focused a lot more on ourselves rather than the opposition over the past two weeks. If we get our own house in order we know we can be good enough to challenge anybody.

“We’ve had two on the bounce. Now I want three against Bradford.”

Anderson, who established himself as one of Super League’s finest props during the Bulls’ halcyon days, admits being troubled by his former club’s current plight.

They have been in administration since the end of June with huge doubts still over concerning their survival.

Bradford were docked six points for breaking insolvency rules but have shown vast spirit to overcome that and stay on the edge of the play-off race.

A victory for themselves would see them return to the top eight if Hull KR – who they defeated last Friday – slip up against Wakefield.

Anderson, who has urged his side not to ‘over-play’ tomorrow, said: “Bradford are playing well and they are playing with a lot of emotion and aggression.

“I have sympathy for the Bulls and it isn’t a situation I would like to be in.

“However, come this Sunday at 3pm we need to be professional and it’s another game that we want to win.”

England Knights prop Larne Patrick, who started out in the Bradford academy as a centre, returns for Huddersfield with Scott Moore dropping out.

Giants do, however, have a concern over scrum-half Danny Brough who is battling against a dead leg.

Bulls coach Mick Potter sees him as Huddersfield’s principal threat but he added: “Their halves, (Luke) Robinson and (Scott) Grix as well get them round the field.

“They have some big people who are difficult to stop too and when they get the ball to the edges they have some good finishers with speed and strike.

“If their big people get on top then the halves will get the edges working and that’s when they are dangerous.”

But Bradford’s hopes of achieving parity up front are bolstered by John Bateman’s return from England Academy duty. He replaces Jarrod Sammut in the only change to Bradford’s 19-man squad.

On Bulls’ play-off chances, Potter said: “We are all aware of the carrot that is there if we are successful.

“But we need to play Huddersfield, see what the table says and then look at playing Hull. The players are confident in their ability and that’s rightfully so because they are quite capable of winning three games.”