HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS head coach Paul Anderson is braced to make some tough choices.
The Huddersfield boss will name his initial 19-man squad for Saturday’s Super League XVIII opener at St Helens later today.
Apart from Michael Lawrence, who is ruled out for around 10 weeks with ankle ligament damage, all 20 who featured in the 36-12 home trial triumph over Widnes on January 20 are fully fit and available for selection.
But missing that day were international back-row pair Jason Chan and Luke O’Donnell, who are both battling to earn spots for the trip to Langtree Park.
Chan was resting a gashed knee suffered during the pre-season trip to St Helens the week before and is back to fitness.
While O’Donnell jetted back into England from his native Australia two weeks ago after completing his rehabilitation following shoulder reconstruction and has looked strong in training.
And Anderson admits their availability has left him with a massive selection headache.
“There are going to be some disappointed players this weekend,” said Anderson.
“No-one really let themselves down against Widnes the other week, and with Jason and Luke around we’ve now got to pick from an even stronger side this weekend.
“Making a final decision is tough, but that’s the sign of a good, strong squad.”
