Eorl Crabtree is confident the Huddersfield Giants won’t take a backward step in their final push to secure a top-four Super League finish.

Huddersfield know a win at Catalans Dragons tomorrow and at home to Wakefield the following Sunday will guarantee them a place in the top half of the Super 8s and the bonus of an extra home fixture (it’s four at home for the top four and three for the bottom four in the seven-match mini-series which will ultimately determine this season’s Super League Grand Finalists).

And having worked so hard to claim a place in the leading top-flight pack, Crabtree has revealed how desperate the Giants are not to let it slip at the very last minute.

“The thought of missing out of the top four after we’ve worked so hard to get there and stay there is something we’re not prepared to contemplate,” said the vastly-experienced prop, who is part of a 19-man squad which includes new Wakefield front-row signing Daniel Smith.

“I know Catalans need to win tomorrow to make sure they stay in the eight, but I can’t imagine their desire to win will be any stronger than ours. We’re absolutely desperate to go out there and move that step closer to finishing in the top group.

“Catalans are bound to be fired-up and their big boys down the middle will be trying to make it as physical as possible.

“But with the stakes so high, we’ll be ready to go out there and match them. We don’t intend to take a backward step.

“The prize for us at this stage of the season is simply too high for us to let that happen.”