Huddersfield Giants’ opening Super 8s defeat at Wigan could prove the defining night in their 2015 season.

That’s the view of in-form winger Aaron Murphy as the third-placed Giants re-double their efforts to reach a first Super League Grand Final.

Although Huddersfield were beaten 30-22 by the Warriors at the DW Stadium on August 8, it was a contest they could easily have won.

And Murphy believes his side’s performance on the night has done the Giants a lot more good than harm – and has been reflected in the subsequent wins at home to Catalans Dragons and at St Helens as the third-placed Giants strengthened their bid for a play-off semi-final spot with four fixtures remaining.

“The mood within the camp was positive before the Wigan game, and it’s even more positive now,” said Murphy, whose side complete their Super 8s programme with home clashes against Castleford, Warrington and Leeds and a trip to Hull.

“Wigan might have beaten us, but it did give us a lot more self belief that we were really starting to do the right thing at just the right time.

“We played a lot better with ball in hand and know exactly how close we came to being the only team to beat Wigan at their place in the competition this season.

“We also knew that our defeat to them made it even more important for us to respond with a win against Catalans, and with the confidence we took from our performance against Wigan we did just that.

“Although Catalans started strongly against us, we always felt as if we were in control and had the beating of them.

“So the fact we ended up beating them with a bit to spare in the end meant we knew we could then go on and do a job against Saints.

“Again, there were periods in that game when we didn’t make things easy for ourselves, but we still did enough to win.

“As a result, we’ll be even more confident when we host Castleford next Thursday night in our next game.

“So it does feel as if we’re getting on a roll when it matters the most.”

Murphy continues to be one of the Giants most consistent performers, and he believes it’s the consistency within the Giants displays which is proving another key weapon.

“To be successful, you’re always looking for consistent performances, and that’s what we’ve been for most of this season,” added the 26-year-old former Wakefield star.

“We’ve now got a relatively settled side at just the right time, and we’re keen to keep on building.

“Obviously, if we do have to shuffle the side about, it can cause a certain amount of disruption.

“But if that’s the case, we’ll remain confident we can keep on picking up the wins.

“Personally, I’d be happy switching from wing to centre or full-back if it was felt that would be better for the team.

“To be honest, as long as we’re winning I’m happy playing anywhere. At the end of the day, doing whatever it takes to get the victories is now more important than ever.

“We know if we win our next five games we’ll definitely be at Old Trafford, which is obviously our ultimate aim.”

The Giants, meanwhile, appear to have no intention whatsoever of signing released Salford scrum-half Theo Fages, with Huddersfield chiefs delighted with the way Danny Brough and Jamie Ellis are working together at half-back.