BATTLE-hardened Dale Ferguson is just the man to draft in for the Huddersfield Giants against Leeds tonight.

That’s the verdict of head coach Paul Anderson as he prepares to take on the champions at Headingley (8.00).

“Fergy is just the sort of player we need right now,” said Anderson.

“We need someone who can supplement what our props are doing down the middle, and who’s fit, athletic and energetic. That’s what Dale Ferguson will bring us.”

He added: “Because we were travelling so well at the start of the season, there was unfortunately no place for Fergy, and that’s why we let him go to Hull KR. He’s too good not to be playing Super League regularly.

“He showed what he could do during his month away by playing big minutes in every game for them, and they were keen to keep him. But I was keen to get him back.

“He’s returned to us battle-hardened, in good shape and eager to play, which is what he’ll be doing for us tonight. He knows he has an important role for us against a world-class side and he’s relishing that challenge. We’re looking for him to help make sure we re-discover a spark that was missing against Bradford.”

The Giants’ unbeaten start came to a shattering end with last week’s heavy 43-18 home defeat to Bradford Bulls, and the coach wants no repeat of the basic mistakes which cost them so dearly.

The Giants remain a point clear at the top of the table and are desperate to say there.

Ferguson’s return is expected to be one of at least three changes to the Giants’ line-up, with inspirational goal-kicking half-back Danny Brough now fully fit following illness and top prop Stuart Fielden back in the fold after being rested.