JAKE TO KICK-START GIANTS CAMPAIGN
BIBBY EYES DECENT RUN OF GAMES TO NAIL DOWN REGULAR STARTS
JAKE BIBBY has no intention of losing his Huddersfield place again as he bids to kick-start their season by firing up a Betfred Challenge Cup charge.
The prolific winger has found it tough since switching from Wigan in the off-season. He played three games early on but was dropped after the 14-12 loss against Wigan on March 17.
Bibby was left out by Ian Watson for almost two months before finally getting a spot back in last week’s 30-4 home defeat to Leigh.
He lines up again at Salford in tonight’s Challenge Cup sixth round tie as out-of-sorts Giants aim to secure a first win in four outings.
Bibby, 26, said: “It is always tough when you’re not playing. I had a run of games but with the competition and depth of the team here, you make one mistake and someone else can easily take your place.
“It’s all about playing well and keeping that shirt. I’m happy to be back in there and it’s down to me now to keep that shirt, wherever it may be – wing, centre, wherever he puts me. I just want a good run of games now to get back going.”
Bibby, meanwhile, has happy Challenge Cup memories after helping Wigan dramatically edge Huddersfield 16-14 in last year’s final at Spurs.
He now wants to lift the trophy in claret and gold and said: “I’m really looking forward to Saturday.
“I’ve really fond memories of last year. I’m on the opposition side this time with Huddersfield who I think actually deserved to win it last year. “Right up until the last few seconds they looked like they would until that bit of magic from Harry Smith and Liam Marshall picked it up to score.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world. But I think the Huddersfield team now has a bit of hunger on the back of that. They had a taste of it and feel like they did deserve to win so it’s now a big focus of ours to get back there and get that silverware.”
First they have to overcome another of Bibby’s former clubs Salford
but Giants have been woeful of late having also been hammered 28-0 at Hull KR and losing at Hull FC before that Leigh debacle. Bibby insisted: “We have to think positively. There’s no point looking back and letting it bother us.
“It was embarrassing last week but there’s nothing better than a Challenge Cup game in which to put it right.” England prop Chris Hill will finish his glittering career at Huddersfield and play on until approaching his 38th birthday after signing a new two-year deal.
The veteran front-row, 35, has been a terrific signing since joining from Warrington.
It’s all about playing well and keeping that shirt Jake Bibby