‘We’ve not given up on second place’ says Giants chief

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS head coach Ian Watson remains hopeful of snatching a top-two place from Wigan Warriors’ grasp – but he accepts it would take a perfect finish.

Huddersfield are three points behind second-placed Warriors with four games of the Super League season remaining, meaning they need Matt Peet’s side to slip up at least twice in the final two weeks.

The Giants face fellow topsix teams Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos, while Wigan have home dates with St Helens and Catalans Dragons between now and the end of the regular campaign.

The carrot of a home semifinal and a week off will drive Huddersfield on over the next fortnight.

“We’ve not given up on second place whatsoever,” said Watson.

“We’re going after second place. That’s the aim for everybody at the club. If we’re going to pinch second, we’re going to have to win them all.

“The boys all know what it’ll take now and that we’ve not quite been there over the last few weeks with the inconsistencies.”

The Giants won six straight Super League games either side of the Challenge Cup final but have struggled to maintain those high standards.

After suffering a fourth defeat in seven matches at Salford Red Devils last weekend, Huddersfield saw Wigan go down to Wakefield Trinity to leave Watson rueing a missed opportunity.

“We would have been sat quite nicely one point behind Wigan now,” he said. “We would have pushed Catalans further away from us as well. They’re the opportunities you’re seeking and trying to achieve.”

Huddersfield’s loss of form coincided with Ricky Leutele’s absence but the powerful centre has been given the green light to return against Castleford in a major boost for the Giants. “He will definitely play,” said Watson.

The John Smith’s Stadium date with Castleford is a second chance for Huddersfield to confirm a play-off spot.

Watson knows it will not be easy against the fifth-placed Tigers. “They’re going really well,” he said. “It’s a huge game for both clubs.”