GIANTS coach Jon Sharp will send his players into battle at St Helens tomorrow night (8.00) knowing they will never have a better chance of toppling the Challenge Cup holders.
While Stanley Gene (dislocated foot) remains the only Giant on the sidelines, St Helens head coach Ian Millward is forced to field the same under-strength 17 that were humiliated 70-0 at Leeds Rhinos last Friday night.
Missing through either injury or suspension are the likes of Super League Man of Steel Paul Sculthorpe, Sean Long, Chris Joynt, Micky Higham and Martin Gleeson, although the former Giants centre has since signed for Warrington for next season.
That makes the Saints vulnerable right now.
And McAlpine boss Sharp, who spent the last two seasons as Millward's No2 at Knowsley Road, is desperate to see his players take full advantage.
"The players who are missing for Saints are all key players, and they are bound to be missed," he said.
"That's something of which all my players are very well aware.
"Knowsley Road for Friday night games can be a very intimidating place.
"But my message to the boys before they step out onto the field is to be confident, be positive and have a crack at them.
"They know this is a great opportunity to go out and have a real go.
"Yet we should also not lose sight of the fact that they still possess international players throughout their side.
"Jason Hooper, in particular, has really stepped up to the mark in the absence of some of Saints' major playmakers and is a danger.
"Even though Saints are doing it tough, they are still dangerous."
