Huddersfield 52-22 Salford
Nine-try Huddersfield bounced back to the top of Engage Super League with a dominant display against outclassed Salford.
Reds are still struggling to cope with a string of off-field problems, including the continued absence of Shaun McRae and an ongoing dispute with assistant coach Malcolm Alker.
The Giants made sure to capitalise, despite twice trailing in the early stages, with their powerful pack responsible for seven of their nine touchdowns.
But their celebrations were tempered by the news that Penrith are looking for a new coach in 2012 – and Nathan Brown is heading the speculation as a prime candidate for the job.
Salford are also searching for a new boss for next year, and caretaker Phil Veivers confirmed that he will apply for the club’s head coach position.
Veivers said: “I’ll definitely throw my hat into the ring, but there are a few names already out there.”
He added: “The Easter bunny wasn’t happy with us. We’ve let in over 100 points over Easter and that tells a tale.
“There were six or seven tries from just around the ruck, and that’s very disappointing. It’s an area we’ll have to address this week before we go to London.”
Dale Ferguson and Shaun Lunt both scored twice as Huddersfield kicked on from a 24-18 half time lead to eventually win in comfortable fashion.
Salford had crossed three times in the first half, with Daniel Holdsworth laying on tries for Adam Sidlow and Mark Henry either side of his own score.
But the Giants kept in contention with Luke O’Donnell and Jamie Cording claiming four-pointers alongside Ferguson and Lunt.
Ferguson, who has now claimed six tries in as many appearances for the Giants, underlined his growing reputation with his second powerful effort just after half time.
His double set the tone for a one-sided second half, with Lunt grabbing his brace from close range before prop Darrell Griffin used all his muscle to barge over.
Kevin Brown, a dominant figure alongside Danny Brough, also scythed through before Jermaine McGillvary wrapped things up.
Brough finished the night with seven goals, and his conversion of Ferguson’s first try brought up his 2000th career point.
Stefan Ratchford got a late consolation for the Reds, but there was no stopping the Giants.
Huddersfield assistant Paul Anderson said: “Being top is a nice position to be, but it’s not something we’re looking at closely. If we’re there after 27 rounds then we’ll be reasonably happy.”
He added: “Getting the win and scoring points was good, but conceding 20-odd is not the right thing.”