Ian Watson enjoying Huddersfield Giants’ resurgence without getting carried away with it
Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson
Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson is pleased that his side have rediscovered the winning formula in recent weeks, but admits it may have come too late in the day.
The Giants last year reached the Challenge Cup final and finished 3rd in Super League, knocked out of the play-offs by Salford Red Devils.
With seemingly smart recruitment, many tipped that they would be a strong force again in 2023. That hasn’t been the case for much of this season, though a six-try haul in last night’s home victory over bottom side Wakefield Trinity put a smile on Watson’s face.
Ian Watson on Huddersfield Giants win over Wakefield Trinity
He said: “It looked more like us and I think we’re getting back to our DNA.
“I thought our intent and the way we started the game was outstanding. With ball in hand, we were patient, and we could have had a few more [tries].
“It’s good that we’re creating those opportunities and we’re getting back more to us again now and what we can bring.”
Giants’ resurgence
Watson’s side picking up the two points last night has gone a long way to squashing any relegation fears which may have existed until recently.
It came on the back of a stunning win over in France last time out against league leaders Catalans Dragons. Huddersfield were just the second side to leave the State Gilbert Brutus with a win this season.
Chris McQueen’s fourth minute try paved the way for a thoroughly dominant display against Trinity back on home soil.
The boss added: “We’re not focusing on anything other than week by week. Where we’ll be by the end of the year will depend on what we do now.
“It was about backing up last week and doing the right things again. I just think us taking things week by week and stripping things back is really helping us.”
Too little, too late?
Despite the two victories on the bounce, Huddersfield remain 10th in the standings. The Giants are six points adrift of the top six with the business end of the season fast approaching.
After a break in the fixture list for next weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-finals, Watson’s side return to action with the visit of Hull FC.