Huddersfield Giants' coach Stone warns against further unacceptable displays

HUDDERSFIELD Giants head coach Rick Stone is expecting a response at St Helens on Friday as he states results like last week's 52-14 defeat at Salford Red Devils are no longer acceptable.
Huddersfield Giants' head coach Rick Stone.
 
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeHuddersfield Giants' head coach Rick Stone.
 
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Huddersfield Giants' head coach Rick Stone. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The West Yorkshire club’s faint top-four hopes were finally ended by their worst defeat of the season so, essentially, they only have pride to play for when they head to Langtree Park.

“I don’t want to keep harping on about last week but it’s something that has been acceptable at this club far too much over the last couple of years,” said Stone

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“It’s not acceptable now for the fans and for our expectations of the place. I’m definitely looking forward to Saints; I don’t know if we saw it coming last week but we’re looking forward to trying and rectifying it now.

“We’ve got two games, we’ll try and produce our best and see what we can do.

“Nothing changes too much; we’ve got a couple of big games against Saints and Leeds and we want to make sure we’re up for it both weeks.”

They must do so without captain Leroy Cudjoe, though, as the England centre has undergone major knee surgery that will keep him out for four to six months.

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Furthermore, in-form prop Sebastine Ikahihifo is absent with a ankle issue that could yet end his involvement this term.

Elsewhere, Hull FC welcome back captain Gareth Ellis and Australian winger Steve Michaels from suspension for tomorrow’s crucial Super 8s game versus top-four rivals Wakefield Trinity.

Fetuli Talanoa and Carlos Tuimavave also hope to return after injuries while Jansin Turgut and Jack Downs drop out.

Wakefield’s on-loan Hull forward Dean Hadley is banned but hooker Kyle Wood is fit again and rejoins their squad.