NATHAN BROWN is confident the Giants have the necessary cover to overcome the 12-week loss of in-form prop Keith Mason.

The 29-year-old suffered knee ligament damage during Sunday’s 34-10 Super League home triumph over Wakefield.

Scans have confirmed Mason could be sidelined until early July.

But while Brown admits it’s a big blow, he also knows it’s the chance for others to step in and do an excellent job – starting with Friday’s big home test against Warrington when a win would take the Giants back to the top.

“It’s a really big blow for Keith,” said Brown, who will also be without David Fa’alogo (leg) for a third game.

“He’s probably been playing some of his best footy ever, so not having him around will hit everybody.

“But while it’s very unfortunate for Keith, it gives other people the opportunity to fill his shoes and do a good job, which I’m sure they will.

“We’ve obviously got Eorl Crabtree to come back in and Andy Raleigh has been back for the past two weeks and done a good, solid job.

“On top of that, Darrell Griffin did well off the bench against Wakefield, and Larne Patrick has been playing a fair bit of prop this year and doing well as well.

“So we know we’ve still got a quality front row at our disposal, which is going to be vital for a game like Friday’s.”