Stone is primed for tough test in France

Giants head coach Rick Stone.

“I suppose you could think about the warm weather and maybe want to acclimatisie from that point of view, but we have decided to get in there and get on with the job in hand.”

While it will be the Australian’s first trip to France in charge of the Giants, he has experience from his playing days of just what the South of France is about.

“It is a long time ago now, nearly 30 years, but I played out in Marseille in the Aussie offseason,” explained Stone.

“It was when they were looking to expand the game into the cities in the South of France.

“Tas Baitieri was running things in France at the time and a lot of the Newcastle boys went over to play.

“They were good times and we had a lot of fun and I am looking forward to going back on Saturday.”

Stone’s side have already recorded an 18-10 win over the Dragons, currently being coached by caretakers Jerome Guisset and Joel Monaghan after the departure of head coach Laurent Frayssinous following that defeat to the Giants at the Magic Weekend.

However, Huddersfield were beaten 29-22 at the John Smith’s Stadium by the French side back in round nine of Super League and Stone is expecting another tough battle.

“It is always going to be a different scenario going to Catalans,” he said, whose side go into the game after a highlyimpressive 44-4 home win over Warrington Wolves in round 17 of Super League.

“When you look at their results there is a marked difference between how they do at home as opposed to away games.

“They are certainly a different