Huddersfield moving in right direction, says Ian Watson

Correspondent

Huddersfield coach Ian Watson shrugged off concern over his side’s winless start to Super League and says they are “moving in the right direction”.

The Giants have now lost four from four after going down to a 22-12 home defeat to St Helens but Watson, the former Salford boss who took over at the West Yorkshire outfit at the end of last year, can see signs of improvement and is remaining confident.

He said: “It was massively a step in the right direction.

“It’s what we’ve been talking about and that’s competing with the best teams. I thought we stood up really, really well in the first half.

“St Helens are very good at playing cup final footy, they know how to get into a grind and suffocate you with the way they play.

“It has to be educated and taught that to have that kind of system.

“We defended really well for large periods. It shows we can handle that kind of pressure.”

REPORT: Huddersfield 10-18 St Helens: Saints maintain unbeaten start

Watson was pleased with the mentality his players showed and the character they displayed to score two tries in the second half.

He said: “If we turned up with that mentality at Hull KR last weekend we win.

“I’m more than confident going forward we’ll compete and beat teams. We’re going through a tough lesson at the moment.

“Saints got away from us today but our start was a hell of a lot better today. It’s moving in the right direction.

“It will turn, 100%. It’s about continuity. You have to build the foundations before you’re successful. It takes time.”

Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.