Huddersfield grateful for quick opportunity to atone

They will play their third game inside a week when Castleford Tigers visit Galpharm Stadium tomorrow, an exhausting timetable that has drawn criticism from their opponents, the only other Engage Super League outfit to face such a demanding list.

However, after the debacle of Monday's "unacceptable" 30-18 loss, there are no complaints about the swift turnaround from a Huddersfield side who have felt the full wrath of coach Nathan Brown.

"We've known we'll have this period to go through since before Christmas when the fixtures came out," said Brown's assistant Paul Anderson.

"We are bitterly disappointed by what happened at Salford but now we get to put it right pretty quick.

"I don't want to take anything away from them – they were clearly better than us on the day – but some people went out there and didn't do what we expected which was try hard.

"It was unacceptable. We've got a short turnaround – two sessions to get it right – and I am certain we will get a response against Castleford."

Huddersfield slipped down to fourth after resting a host of senior players versus Salford, who had only won twice previously this season.

Captain Brett Hodgson, England prop Eorl Crabtree, Kiwi international David Fa-alago, Lee Gilmour and Keith Mason are all expected to return in an attempt to ensure the ambitious Giants do not suffer any more surprise defeats.

Some players will also inevitably get a chance to atone but Anderson said:"Whether the majority of them play or don't, those who do, we expect a response from them.

"We've already seen it. We've shown some footage today and people have been made aware of one or two things which are unacceptable.

"It's been good in practice on the back of that and it's all positive now."

Depleted Castleford, who lost both Easter fixtures, could hand a debut to another Academy product – 20-year-old prop Jonathan Walker – given the severity of their injury problems.

Former Huddersfield second-row Steve Snitch may return to ease the situation for Terry Matterson's side who are limping along in 11th spot.

Anderson, who hails from the town, said: "Castleford are struggling a little bit and you feel for them because regardless of who you are playing you want to be playing their best team.

"Terry Matterson is struggling with who he can and can't put out but we have to focus on us.

"We wouldn't expect any favours off Castleford if it was the other way around. We're going into the game with one aim – show some improvement from Monday."

Hull captain Sean Long is not expecting a lengthy lay-off with the ankle injury he suffered in the derby against Hull KR but is still a major doubt for Sunday's game with Leeds Rhinos.

Harlequins have signed Warrington winger Kevin Penny on a one-month loan deal.