Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR: Eorl Crabtree relieved to be back for Giants after groin injury

That he has missed barely a month of action shows just how durable the former England prop has been since debuting with them 15 years ago.

Nevertheless, it has been a painful absence watching on as they sit at the bottom of Super League having lost all four games so far ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Hull KR.

Crabtree, 33, admitted: “It has been a bit of a long-winded one for me as I’m not used to being out for such a long period of time.

“It has been about four weeks which is the most I’ve ever spent out. I am just looking forward to getting back out there now and ripping in with the boys and try to get our first two points of the season.”

Giants head coach Paul Anderson is grateful to see two other senior men back as well in Scotland centre Joe Wardle and former Wakefield Trinity hooker Kyle Wood.

Neither has played so far this term while Crabtree has been absent since being injured during the opening night defeat against St Helens.

Furthermore, Huddersfield are bolstered by the arrival of former Hull FC utility Jordan Tansey, who is expected to debut at full-back having joined on a month’s loan from Wakefield.

That said, Rovers – also awaiting their first win – have six players available once more after injury and suspension so it is set for a fascinating contest.

“I’d expect us to start winning in the very near future as it is a short-term goal to pick up two points and move on from there,” continued Crabtree.

“Then we can start pushing and building up so we can then start moving up the table.

“We have had a tough time with injuries affecting our squad but at the same time we can take confidence from blooding these youngsters in and also looking forward to the future.

“But Hull KR will be a very tough test this Sunday because they are starting to get a few troops back so I’d expect them to be a better team than they have been in recent weeks.

“They will be a team that is desperate to get points, just like ourselves.”