Huddersfield Giants head coach Paul Anderson is focusing on ensuring Huddersfield are involved in the big games at the end of the season.
After the opening round of Super 8s matches the Giants remain in the fourth place that they earned over the regular season, but now trail the top three by four points.
While the Giants were beaten 30-22 at Wigan Warriors, table-toppers Leeds won 49-10 at home to Warrington and third placed St Helens lost 26-16 at Catalans Dragons.
And the Giants, who face Catalans at home on Friday night in the second round, will also be wary of Castleford Tigers who won 36-10 against Hull FC to move level on points.
“I am sure the people who have put the format together will be happy,” said Anderson. “In all the games in the Super 8s and the Qualifiers there is something to focus on with plenty of games that matter.
“The reduction in numbers means that the stakes are that much higher, which puts the pressure on everyone. But the first challenge for us as a team this season was to make the top four and now it is to try and stay there.
“What we have to do is ensure we are in the big games – and get the wins in those big games.”
The clash with the Dragons is the first of the Giants four homes games – they also face Castleford, Warrington and Leeds at the John Smith’s Stadium – and victory would be a crucial step towards the semi-finals.
However, Anderson says, despite the different views that can be taken, winning is all that matters.
“You can look at it as another set the league games, or you can see it as having eight games left to win the competition,” said Anderson.
“We want to make the semi-finals and the final and my mentality all the time is that every game is an opportunity to win and if you win every game you will put yourself in a good position.”
