Huddersfield Giants preparing like they still have a role to play in Super League play-offs

THEY have no more scheduled games this season but Huddersfield Giants interim head coach Luke Robinson has told his squad to start this week like they are preparing for a Grand Final.
Ashton Golding is stopped by Oliver Gildart and Jackson Hastings.

(Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Ashton Golding is stopped by Oliver Gildart and Jackson Hastings.

(Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Ashton Golding is stopped by Oliver Gildart and Jackson Hastings. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

The Fartowners rounded off their regular campaign with a 19-6 loss against Wigan Warriors on Friday night, failing to deny their opponents the League Leaders’ Shield.

However, while most clubs in such circumstances would instruct their players to now enjoy some valuable rest and recuperation, Huddersfield’s holidays – as much as you can holiday in a national lockdown – have been put on hold.

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Having finished seventh, just outside the top-six play-offs, they have been put on stand-by to step in in case any of the clubs in action in play-offs this week – Warrington Wolves host Hull FC on Thursday before Leeds Rhinos face Catalans Dragons 24 hours later – are forced to pull out for Covid-related reasons.

After the loss against Wigan – Huddersfield were level 6-6 on the hour mark – Robinson said: “I’ve told the lads, while ever there’s a glimmer of hope we’ll be in the play-offs, imagine that we are.

“I know it’s a very slim chance – I understand that; all the play-off clubs will be on their best behaviour and taking all the correct precautions. But the year it’s been, just in my time since taking over (in September), you never know what’s happening day to day, minute to minute.

“I said to the lads that they need to dust themselves down, look after themselves and come in mentally like we have got a game next week and an opportunity to still win the Grand Final.

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“Until we get that call, and I 
assume it will be Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, we have 
to prepare like we do have a game.”

Wigan Warriors lift the League Leaders' Shield
 (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Wigan Warriors lift the League Leaders' Shield
 (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Wigan Warriors lift the League Leaders' Shield (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

Sam Wood’s converted try just before the interval saw Huddersfield level up at 6-6 on Friday and, as they defended hard at the start of the second period, it looked like they might cause an upset and deny Wigan the victory they needed to pip St Helens to the League Leaders’ Shield.

However, Jackson Hastings eventually dummied over from acting-half to put Adrian Lam’s side in front and then the Man of Steel slid in a grubber for Zak Hardaker to make sure before also slotting a drop goal.

Wigan, who saw Tommy Leuluai mark his 300th club game in style, lifted the silverware for the first time since 2012.

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But Robinson – who was impressed by 20-year-old Irish prop Ronan Michael on debut – was left to rue yet another defeat where his side were challenging until falling away late on.

Sam Wood celebrates his first try for Huddersfield Giants
 at Wigan (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Sam Wood celebrates his first try for Huddersfield Giants
 at Wigan (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Sam Wood celebrates his first try for Huddersfield Giants at Wigan (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

“I feel like I’m just on repeat every week,” he said, as they finished on a five-game losing run, their previous four defeats all being by eight points or less.

“Once again our effort and endeavour in that first half was incredible.

“But, unfortunately, once again we got in that arm wrestle and just fell out of it again. I suppose that’s what happens when you have so many narrow losses; your confidence just gets edged away.

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“It becomes a habit. For me the tries were really poor. They didn’t really break us down. We need to add some polish next year.”

Joe Wardle is held by the Wigan line (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Joe Wardle is held by the Wigan line (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Joe Wardle is held by the Wigan line (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

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