THE misery – and the slump – goes on for Huddersfield Giants.

In many ways it was an improvement on the woes at Widnes eight days before.

But the Giants still remain a pale shadow of the side that was sweeping almost all before them at the start of Super League XVII as they notched up five top-flight defeats on the trot.

Admittedly, Hull KR are a team bang in form and one of the biggest threats in the competition right now.

However, so much of their success in this contest was down to the Giants’ lack of respect for possession and some far from impressive defence as much as the Robins’ own play.

So, all in all, it was another very frustrating and demoralising day yet again.

The Giants were boosted by the return of captain and loose forward Kevin Brown following his one-match ban, while Tommy Lee marked his first game in two months with start at half-back in the absence of Scott Grix.

There were also a number of positional changes as Galpharm chief Nathan Brown looked to find a winning formula.

But the early signs looked distinctly worrying.

After being caught offside on the opening set, the hosts conceded a scrum on the second and, from a set play, Hull KR worked the blindside for former Giants winger David Hodgson to score in the corner and Michael Dobson added the conversion.

Fortunately, the response couldn’t have been more positive and within five minutes Huddersfield had drawn level.

After Eorl Crabtree and Scott Moore had been halted just short, Danny Brough kicked high to the corner on the last tackle for Leroy Cudjoe to out-jump the defence and touch down.

Brough’s conversion levelled the scores.

Great breaks from Crabtree and Tommy Lee then deserved better before the Giants hit the front for the first time after 23 minutes.

After forcing a Hull KR error close to the line through great defence, the position was created for Crabtree to be rewarded for an outstanding opening spell with a close-range score, which Brough again goaled.