Crabtree certain he can take a giant step

EORL CRABTREE makes his 400th appearance for Huddersfi eld tonight confi dent the club are ready to fi nally shed their tag as perennial underachievers.

The long- serving prop will reach the landmark as Castleford visit the John Smith’s Stadium in a match crucial to the Giants’ hopes of reaching Super League’s Grand Final for the fi rst time.

The only silverware Crabtree has won during his 15- year career with his home- town club was the League Leaders’ Shield in 2013.

But the 32- year- old believes the Giants can go all the way this time round, saying: “We’ve done well to get ourselves up to third and don’t intend to blow it now.

“This game can take us a step closer to our ultimate goal of reaching a fi rst Grand Final at Old Trafford – and it’s one we believe we are capable of achieving. This is the best squad we’ve had since I’ve been here and we know we’re capable of beating anybody.

“We are in a really strong position to mount a serious challenge to lift the trophy for the fi rst time. We have some momentum.”

Huddersfi eld appear a decent bet to overcome a Castleford side missing winger Justin Carney, suspended following allegations over his off- fi eld behaviour.

Carney looks to have played his last game for the Tigers and has been linked with Catalan Dragons.

Salford fi nally confi rmed the departure of head coach Iestyn Harris yesterday. The former Wales boss has been absent from the club for the past two months, with the Red Devils initially saying he was on sick leave.

Salford owner Marwan Koukash is hoping veteran Aussie coach Tim Sheens will agree to stay on beyond the end of this season.

Koukash, whose side are in danger of relegation, has even pondered an audacious move for Bath and England rugby union star Sam Burgess.

Koukash said: “Tim and I are certainly on the same page when it comes to Sam. We would both love it if he could one day be Salford’s marquee signing.”

‘ This is the best squad we have had’