Rick Stone expects the weekend break to provide the chance with the Huddersfield Giants to become even more well-drilled Middle 8s side.

Saturday’s Wembley Challenge Cup final between Hull FC and Warrington means Huddersfield must wait until Friday week to return to competitive action at home to London Broncos.

Successive big wins over Championship clubs Featherstone Rovers and Batley Bulldogs have put the Giants back in a strong position to maintain their Super League status for 2017.

And Stone hopes to use the build-up to the home clash against another Championship side in the shape of London on Friday, September 2 as an opportunity to work on a few more key areas.

LOOK at the Giants season so far in pictures below

“This is certainly another chance to assess ourselves, challenge ourselves and work on a few things,” said Stone.

“And a big part of that work is on our defence. I’ve made no secret of that.

“We’ve spoken about improving our defensive resolves, and we’ve got to make sure we start working together a bit more, that’s the main thing.

“We’re fighting against each other in the middle of the ruck too much.

“Our vocab, our communication and our processes around that need to be better.

“So this weekend break will give us the chance to take a better look at this and help us get for the London game.”