CAUTIOUS Giants coach Jon Sharp believes his side will go into Saturday's opening Super League X clash at Leigh (6.05) as underdogs.
The newly-promoted Centurions may be the favourites to finish bottom of the competition - they are quoted at 1,000-1 to finish top of Super League and the Giants are 150-1.
But Sharp knows such statistics will count for nothing when the sides take to the field for this weekend's clash in front of the Sky TV cameras.
"No doubt Leigh will have looked at the odds, seen they have been written off from the start and will be aiming to use this as an extra source of motivation this Saturday," said Sharp.
"So, as far as I'm concerned, we will be going into this match as the underdogs.
"And we're happy about that.
"This game is billed as Leigh's day, their first in Super League.
"They will be pumped up and we know they will have a vociferous crowd behind them.
"But that's something we're very comfortable about at Huddersfield.
"We go into this match knowing all the pressure is on them, and with hardly any on us.
"Leigh have stated publicly how important it is for them to make a good start to their season.
"They know they need to beat us in order to prove the doubters wrong, so that could make them anxious, particularly if things don't go according to plan in the early stages on Saturday.
"And I don't expect the intimidating atmosphere to have an adverse effect on my players.
"The squad I will be sending into action is a squad full of players who have played at the very highest level.
"They have played in internationals, in finals and semi-finals. I have complete faith in all of them.
"We know it's going to be tough, there's no question about that.
"But we're ready for the challenge that lies ahead, and we're looking forward to it.
"It promises to be a great occasion and we intend to play our part."
The Giants, meanwhile, are anxious to remind fans that there will be no pay-on-the-day at Leigh this weekend and that supporters wishing to travel to the match must buy their tickets from the Galpharm Stadium before 11am tomorrow.
