PAUL ANDERSON has no regrets that Friday’s Super League XVIII clash at Warrington Wolves went ahead – despite seeing the Giants suffer a 28-2 defeat.
The top-of-the-table battle was played in blizzard-like conditions, which meant the contest became something of a lottery.
But even though the Giants were beaten and missed the chance to go five points clear at the top, Giants boss Anderson (right) felt the right decision was taken for the game to go ahead.
“Yes, the conditions were terrible. They were some of the worst many of us have ever seen,” said Anderson.
“But it was the same for both sides, and it was the fact Warrington handled them the better that made the difference.
“And I’m pleased it did take place, so we got it out of the way on the day it was planned. We certainly didn’t want to come back and play it two days later on the Sunday instead.
“It means this game is done and dusted, and we can prepare for Friday’s game at Salford exactly how we’d wanted.
“The Warrington game was also one of those occasions when we can just forget all about it and move on, because the conditions had such a controlling influence on what went on that night.
“To be honest, when the boys came off the field, there was hardly anything I could say to them. We just put them straight in the showers with their full kit on to try and get them warm as quickly as possible!
“It was just that sort of night.”
All 17 players were frozen to the core, with Anderson confirming Brett Ferres wasn’t suffering as much as one rumour had suggested.
“I’ve heard this talk about Brett getting frost-bitten toes!” he added.
“But I think that would be taking it a little too far.
“Like everyone else, he was suffering a bit when he came off, but we’re sure he’ll have thawed out by Friday. I don’t think we’d be seeing him if he had got frost bite.
“Having said that, I do have a lot of sympathy for Brett, because he was playing for Castleford when they went to Salford for their first game at their new stadium last season.
“That game was also played in heavy snow that night, when it was widely acknowledged as the worst conditions ever for a Super League game.
“But Brett very reliably informs me the other night was even worse!”
