Jodie Broughton admits the heat is on, both on and off the field, as the Giants push to secure a top-four Super League finish.
Huddersfield host Hull KR on Sunday with the squad in buoyant mood after following their battling 30-22 triumph at Widnes 11 days ago with a free weekend.
That break has come at just the right time – in contrast, Hull KR will arrive at the John Smith’s Stadium for their third game in 10 days – with Broughton reporting a spring in the step of a refreshed group of players.
And with competition for places in the Giants backline having intensified with the return of Aaron Murphy following a knee injury, in-form winger Broughton has revealed the quality of the training sessions has been hotting up as rapidly as the weather.
“Everyone has benefited from the week off, and that’s been reflected in the way we’ve returned to training,” said the 27-year-old, who’s featured in the Giants’ last four top-flight fixtures.
“We all felt refreshed and ready to work for the final push to the end of the season.
“It’s a good feeling going into the Hull KR game knowing we’re in such a strong position to finish in the top four, and it’s also a game everyone wants to be a part of.
“With Murph back in the frame following his injury, it means we’ve got a full-strength backline for the first time this season.
“I feel my form since I’ve got into the side has been getting better and better, so I’ve deserved to keep my place.
“But when you think who else is wanting to play this weekend, you can’t take anything for granted.
“The rest of the boys in the backs also know a starting spot can’t be nailed-on, and that’s helped to create some real quality training sessions this week. Anyone who drops their standards knows they could miss out.
“And when the stakes for the Giants for the rest of the season couldn’t be higher, that’s a great situation to be in.”
