Huddersfield Giants v Widnes Vikings: Struggling Giants faced with run of '˜must-win' games

JORDAN TURNER knows he has his hands full '“ and not just because his wife is expecting twins.
TOUGH TIMES: Huddersfield Giants' Jordan Turner in action against Hull FC earlier this season. Picture: John Clifton/SWpix.comTOUGH TIMES: Huddersfield Giants' Jordan Turner in action against Hull FC earlier this season. Picture: John Clifton/SWpix.com
TOUGH TIMES: Huddersfield Giants' Jordan Turner in action against Hull FC earlier this season. Picture: John Clifton/SWpix.com

Before their due date in October, the Huddersfield Giants centre has to first make sure his club are not dragged into the relegation mire.

Having now fallen to bottom of Super League, without a win in their last eight games, the importance of tonight’s fixture against fellow strugglers Widnes Vikings is not lost on him.

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Turner, 29, admitted: “We’re in a situation now we didn’t think we’d be in and none of us want us to be in.

“Every game now is a must-win for us as we’re not only fighting for survival in Super League – we’re fighting for our livelihoods.”

It could be interim coach Chris Thorman’s last game in charge with new chief Simon Woolford hoping to arrive from Australia next week in time for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Wakefield Trinity.

He joins having been Newcastle Knights assistant but is a legend at Canberra Raiders where ex-Hull FC player Turner spent a short spell before returning to Super League with Giants last June.

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“I didn’t get to meet him out there as when I was arriving at Canberra, he was just heading off to Newcastle,” he said.

“But I’ve spoken to him since he was appointed and he seems like he’ll be a breath of fresh air for us and help take us in the right direction.

“He’s already commented on a few little things we can start implementing this week and we’re all excited to meet him.”

Huddersfield’s last win – they only have two from 13 games this term – was actually a 28-16 victory at Widnes on March 9.

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“It was a great result for us that, back in what feels like a lifetime ago now,” added Turner.

“Widnes are fighting for their lives, too, though. They have some quality players who go under the radar a bit and they like to play some expansive stuff.

“But we think we’ve got them sussed in terms of how we can give them a good game. It would be nice to get that winning feeling back.”

Leaders St Helens – whose England hooker James Roby has signed a new deal for 2019 – last night defeated Catalans Dragons 26-12, to go four points clear at the top, with Regan Grace scoring two of their tries.