JOR’S HULL OF A FIGHT
Rankin keen to step up pace
JORDAN RANKIN admits clubs in the bottom half are already feeling trapdoor pressure.
Rankin’s Huddersfield lie ninth after losing three of their five games and face fellow slow starters Hull KR tonight.
It’s a game the Aussie half-back says is massively important for both sides, even at this early stage.
He said: “This weekend we’re a quarter of the way through the 23 games before the relegation stuff starts. That’s exciting but also daunting.
“We play week by week but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture and look ahead because we want to be in the top eight.”
Huddersfield flirted with the Middle 8s relegation battle last season before finishing eighth to claim a Super 8s spot.
But Rankin, who joined the club from NRL side Wests Tigers last July, is convinced they will finish stronger this season.
Influence
He said: “We have had quality experienced players out injured, like Leroy Cudjoe and Michael Lawrence, and Jermaine McGillvary has only just come back.
“Once we get everyone back we will start to play with more consistency.”
Rovers lie 10th, two points behind the Giants, with only one win from five games to their credit.
But Rankin insists his side need to be on their guard because of the influence of his opposite number Danny McGuire.
He said: “He is a veteran who has done it all, playing in some massive games over the years and winning lots of things.
“Any side with McGuire in is going to be very dangerous.”
Centre Jordan Turner returns for Huddersfield, while Rovers make two changes from the side that lost 18-16 at Catalans on Saturday.
Hooker Shaun Lunt is injured and forward Danny Tickle is left out, with James Donaldson and George Lawler coming in.