Paul Anderson expects the return of Larne Patrick to provide the Giants with even more forward firepower.

The Huddersfield head coach resisted the temptation to bring back explosive Wales World Cup packman Patrick for Sunday’s Super League clash against Castleford Tigers.

Patrick has been told he’ll feature against winless London Broncos at the Hive on Saturday after recovering from a rib injury suffered during the Easter Monday home win over Wakefield, in what was just his second game back after suffering a knee injury in the opening-night triumph at champions Wigan two months earlier.

And Anderson is convinced the return of Patrick and the availability of England back-row forward Brett Ferres the following week after serving a five-match suspension will help his forwards step up another gear.

“We should have some very strong options available to us in the pack over the next few weeks. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve allowed Antonio Kaufusi (to Bradford) and Jacob Fairbank (to Wakefield) to go out on loan,” said Anderson.

“Even without these two and Larne and Brett, there were some real positives with the way the forwards played in Sunday’s win over Castleford.

We can now add Larne to the list of forwards available this weekend, while Brett comes back into contention for the Magic Weekend game against the Bulls the following week (when Kaufusi won’t be allowed to play for Bradford).

“That’s a very healthy situation to be in, and I’m certainly looking at Larne’s return to help provide a lift in intensity among the forwards.

“Those who play this weekend know they have the opportunity to convince me they should play the following week.

“Just because Brett will be available after this weekend, it doesn’t automatically mean he’ll come straight back in. It’s up to those who play at the Broncos to make that choice as difficult as possible.”

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