HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ injury agony has been compounded on the eve of Super League XVII.

The competition kicks-off tomorrow and Nathan Brown’s depleted squad – which was already lacking the services of half-a-dozen front-line forwards – has received a further blow with back-rower Dale Ferguson added to the casualty list after damaging a knee in training.

The former Wakefield forward joins captain Kevin Brown (ankle), David Fa’alogo (back), David Faiumu (shoulder), Luke O’Donnell (knee), Keith Mason (groin), Larne Patrick (wrist) and Tony Tonks (suspended), on the absentee list for the Giants’ opener at Wigan on Sunday.

Brown will be hopeful Patrick may come into contention after scans on his wrist injury came back clear, but it leaves the Giants battling the odds.

However, the one remaining front-line front-rower available, Eorl Crabtree, is confident the Giants pack will rise to the occasion at the DW Stadium.

The casualty list means the likes of Super League rookies Adam Walker and Jacob Fairbank – with just four top-flight appearances between them – will be expected to play a leading role against the Challenge Cup holders.

And Crabtree knows they’re ready.

“I’m really excited about playing alongside these boys,” said Crabtree.