Difference in class!

Feb 1 2003 By Chris Roberts, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Giants 10 - 40 Leeds Rhinos. GIANTS coach Tony Smith will not have to spend too much time proving to his players that a tremendous amount of hard work is still required to turn his NFP champions into a credible Super League force.

The manner in which they were completely outplayed by Leeds Rhinos in Darren Turner's testimonial clash underlined the difference in class between these two sides.

It's obviously still early days for the new top-flight arrivals.

Yet the way in which Leeds were able to boss the contest will have acted as a timely reminder as to the toughness of the challenges that lie ahead.

The Rhinos were stronger, faster and more clinical in their execution, and thoroughly deserved their 30-point victory.

But, at the same time, should such a setback at this stage of the season be a cause for major concern within the Huddersfield camp?

After all, in the build-up to the Giants' third season in Super League three years ago, they beat Leeds away and St Helens away in pre-season games and then went on to win just one of their opening 15 League encounters!

However, what certainly can't be disputed is that Huddersfield will have to improve significantly if they are to guarantee success in their opening Super League VIII game at home to Warrington three weeks today.

Fortunately, even in defeat, there were surely more than enough signs to suggest that head coach Smith will be able to find the winning formula.

Although the Giants gave away some `soft' tries, many of which came courtesy of dreadful schoolboy errors, the defensive pattern seemed to be coming together.