Wounded Wakefield pose threat to Giants says Brown

John Kear's side were embarrassed 50-6 at home to St Helens on Sunday, missing out on the chance to climb back into the top eight and leaving their beleaguered coach admitting he was struggling for reasons to explain their woeful form.

They venture to the Galpharm Stadium tomorrow hit by more injury problems but Brown, whose own side showed signs of their old class in thrashing Harlequins, admits they cannot be underestimated.

"Wakefield have not been going as well as they would have liked lately but are always very dangerous opposition," he said.

"They have still got some wins in them and know they have probably got to win two or three of their last four otherwise they won't finish in the play-offs.

"They are still only one victory away from that eighth spot and I'd imagine they will be really targeting this game and their next to give themselves a shot."

Huddersfield, who colourful Australian Test prop Willie Mason has confirmed are favourites along with Hull KR for his services next season, could see Brad Drew make his 100th Giants appearance against his former employers.

The 34-year-old re-signed from Wakefield last winter and, after missing the early months with a knee injury, has produced some telling performances of late.

The doughty Australian has provided just the sort of organisation, guile and leadership Trinity have been lacking themselves.

Such is the competition at the Galpharm, Drew is not guaranteed a place, especially with scrum-half Luke Robinson available again.

Kear – whose side's biggest loss of the season was a 52-0 home vanquishing by Huddersfield in March – has seen half-back partnership Sam Obst (ankle) and Paul Cooke (knee) both ruled out by injuries but full-back Matt Blaymire and utility Paul Johnson do return along with young hooker James Davey.

He said: "We're confident, after a tough week physically and mentally, this squad is ready."

Bradford Bulls hope to end their club record 10-match losing sequence when they host Catalans and are given a much-needed boost by England international Paul Sykes's availability after suspension.

Hull FC visit Harlequins today bidding to keep alive their top four hopes, buoyed by the return from injury of forwards Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O'Meley with Danny Tickle also back from a one-game ban.