Wardle niggled into red card claims coach

Wardle, 21, paid the price as he delivered a flurry of punches on Rhinos centre 
Carl Ablett, leaving referee Phil Bentham with no alternative but to brandish the red card.

The Giants were leading 18-4 after 61 minutes and they comfortably stood firm with 12 men to run out 24-8 winners and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Wardle is facing a suspension but he received some backing from Anderson for responding to what the coach believes were niggling tactics by Ablett.

“We might have to play with 12 more often,” said Anderson. “I’ve not looked at it but, if he’s punched him, he’s probably got what he deserves.

“I’m happy for him. It’s a real defining moment in Joe Wardle’s career. People go out and niggle and he’s stood up to it. I’m not happy with the sending-off but he’s grown up a bit today.”

It is the second time in a month that Huddersfield have overcome a sending-off to secure a notable victory.

They had Luke Robinson dismissed 26 minutes from the end of their Super League game against Catalan Dragons in Perpignan a fortnight ago but came from behind to win.

Of Saturday’s encounter, Anderson said: “I thought it was a very good game, probably one you would have liked to have seen at Wembley.

“I don’t think our game management was particularly great. We overplayed at times. When we played it simple, we created a lot of opportunities.

“Our defence was outstanding. When we were defending our tryline, I didn’t think there was any point when we were in danger. It’s a real good sign for us.”

It is the third time in recent years the Giants have won with 12 men against Leeds, whose coach, Brian McDermott, believes the dismissal of Wardle probably worked against his side.

“It just shows you can get a bloke sent off and teams bar up,” said McDermott, whose side also won in Perpignan this year with 12 men.

“I actually felt it was going to work in their favour. I think 12 men can defend a tryline for 20 or 25 minutes.

“Huddersfield played better than we did. We made some uncharacteristic errors.

“Whilst I’m very disappointed, I’ve no real complaints. It was just a combination of a few things.”

Giants’ England prop Eorl Crabtree said: “For us as a club it means we’re moving forward. We really enjoy defending for our lives, we’re a big family and we’re going places.

“My granddad has a winner’s medal and I want one to add to it.”