PAUL ANDERSON is hoping tonight’s trial test at St Helens will show the fans how productive the Giants’ pre-season training has been.

Huddersfield head to Langtree Park (8.00) for their first Super League pre-season clash knowing they’ll face a challenge from former coach Nathan Brown’s Saints.

Although some players are being rested until the friendly against Widnes on Sunday, January 20, head coach Anderson still has a strong 24-man squad at his disposal.

The season proper starts at Saints on February 2.

“We believe a lot of players have made massive strides over the past few months, and we’re looking forward to putting that to the test tonight,” said Anderson.

“Those strides have been made both in terms of the conditioning and the physical side of things, as well as in a technical and tactical sense.

“Obviously, we don’t expect things to be perfect at this stage. Everything we’re doing now is geared towards making sure we’re ready for our opening game in three weeks’ time.

“Tonight is all about assessing the areas where we may still need to improve, working on that for the Widnes game and then focusing 100% on the Saints League game.

“But we are happy with the progress we’re making, and everyone is hoping that shows through with the way things go tonight.”

RL – Pages 40 & 41.