York Knights v Huddersfield Giants: Mark Applegarth shrugs off suggestion of potential banana skin
Mark Applegarth has dismissed the suggestion that York Knights are next in the firing line as Huddersfield Giants continue their search for an elusive victory.
The Giants have not tasted success since beating the Knights on home soil in early April, a run of defeats spanning 12 matches.
Eight of those losses have come on Jim Lenihan's watch, including the recent Magic Weekend reverse against the Knights.
But Applegarth is not buying into the idea that Huddersfield's long wait makes them inevitable winners sooner or later.
"Well, if you look at it like that," he said. "I suppose it depends on perspective.
"Jim will have been focusing more on process and performance over result. Naturally, a result is going to come when you nail your process.
"If you looked at the two squads on paper, you'd argue that Huddersfield have underperformed this year and our squad has overperformed.
"I'm not too concerned about what other teams are doing and am just focusing on where we want to go as a team.
"The key for us this year is consistency. That's what we're still chasing."
Applegarth's Super League newcomers boast an eight-point advantage over the bottom side ahead of the latest meeting at the LNER Community Stadium.
York's goal is to be the best of the rest outside the play-off contenders.
"You want to finish as high up that table as possible," added Applegarth.
"That for a first year in Super League would be an outstanding achievement. That's not me accepting defeat but being a realist."
The uncertainty surrounding the grading system may be causing debate elsewhere but Applegarth remains relaxed about the future.
Until somebody tells him otherwise, York are planning for a second season in Super League.
"I've not been personally told any different," he said. "It's business as usual – York are in the league.
"We're full steam ahead into recruiting a squad for Super League in 2027. Hopefully that will all get clarified soon for the greater good of the sport.
"Personally, I've not heard any different and will crack on."