Anderson delighted with first win
Huddersfield got back on track as their best performance in three months gave Paul Anderson his first win as head coach.
The Giants had lost nine of their last 10 league games, but they blew Catalan away in a one-sided affair that will boost Huddersfield’s confidence as much as it will chip away at the Dragons.
Anderson said: “The win is the big key for us. We’re delighted with the win, although we’re probably disappointed with the scoreboard and the last 30 minutes of the game. We dropped to a level we didn’t want to be at.
“We highlighted a few things in the week, and we’ve taken a great deal of strides in our honesty this week.
“The collective was the important thing this week. As a group they contributed offensively and defensively, and we performed as a group.”
Asked whether he was confident of making an impression in the play-offs, Anderson said: “We’ve just done that to a top three side. If we do what we do well, then we’re in with a chance against anyone.”
The hosts led 24-6 at half time after their pack had bossed much of the opening half hour and their backs had produced some sharp attacking play.
Winger Jermaine McGillvary claimed Huddersfield’s first two scores, touching down from Leroy Cudjoe’s pass and then cutting inside from Jason Chan’s offload.
Remi Casty had brought Catalan briefly level between McGillvary’s brace, but Huddersfield were always on top.
Scott Grix danced over with two huge sidesteps after Cudjoe went close, then Aaron Murphy collected Lee Gilmour’s pass with five seconds remaining of the first half to take the hosts well out of reach.
David Fa’alogo continued the rout early in the second half, touching down after Grix and Luke Robinson were stopped short to cap an impressive display.
Fa’alogo had started the day as 18th man, only for Larne Patrick to suffer back spasms before kick off.
Danny Brough also suffered, limping off with a dead leg seven minutes from time, but Anderson expects his England half back to be available for Friday’s trip to Salford.
Gilmour crashed on to Grix’s flat pass for Huddersfield’s sixth try, meaning late tries for Daryl Millard and Damien Blanch were largely meaningless.
Furious Catalan boss Trent Robinson said: “We’ve had two low-energy games. We missed the start last week (against London), and we missed it again this week.
“It’s pretty plan for everyone to see: the boys’ work ethic has been down for a couple of weeks.”