Giants aim to put down a marker at Hull HUDDERSFIELD HEAD COACH RICK STONE WANTS A FLYING ENTRY INTO THE SUPER 8S

putting down a marker in tomorrow night’s match at the KCOM Stadium.

“For us the Super 8s really start now and we have to be looking to be heading up the table if we want to make a push to be in the semi-finals series in a few weeks time,” said Stone.

“At win at Hull would be a real benchmark for us. They were a good side last season and they have continued that into this season and they have a Challenge Cup semi-final coming up.

“They will want to do well in both competitions and are a formidable side, we have to respect what they can do and we are looking forward to the challenge.

“But we have our own aspirations as well and I have had a look at the table and I believe if we can get a good start in the Super 8s we can compete.”

The gap between the seventh in the table Giants and the team currently in fourth place, Wakefield Trinity, is five points and Stone believes his side have the ability to close in on those above them – particularly after impressive defensive displays in the home wins over Widnes Vikings by 40-0 and Leigh Centurions 26-4.

“If we can get the results that keep us in touch with the teams in third and fourth place then we could be in a position to have a crack at getting to the final in the final few weeks of the season,” added the head coach.

“I thought against Leigh we produced probably our most intense performance of the season.

“We showed good energy throughout the game and we have to be very happy with that performance.

“And I feel that over redent weeks we have been defensively a lot more sound.

“To nil Widnes the week before and then to only allow one try in against Leigh is something I have to be happy with, particularly considering where we were earlier in the season.

“However, we also can always still improve on what we are doing.”