Chris Bailey believes the pain of last season’s failed play-off campaign has helped motivate the Huddersfield Giants to take their pre-season work to an even higher level.

After finishing the regular Super League 2014 campaign in third spot, the 2013 minor champions crashed out of the play-offs with defeat to Wigan Warriors and Catalan Dragons.

The nature of the two defeats hit Huddersfield hard.

But Australian utility star Bailey feels the Giants are using that bitter experience to their advantage.

“It couldn’t have been a more disappointing end to our year,” said the former London Broncos favourite.

“After finishing third we were looking forward to pushing on in the semis, but instead everything fell apart – and that hurt everyone.

“We obviously want to make sure we don’t see a repeat of that in 2015, and we’re already taking steps to make sure we don’t.

“You can tell with the work everyone’s been putting in to pre-season training that there’s a collective desire to put things right for next season and make sure we don’t mess it up again at the back end of the year.

“We know we’re a good side, capable of doing great things in the comp, and we know that the harder we work now, the better our chances will be of achieving success further down the track.”

The 32-year-old is halfway through a two-year Giants contract following his move from the Broncos.

And while he doesn’t know at this stage what his next move will be, he’s hoping next year will be as enjoyable as this.

“I really enjoyed my first season here,” added Bailey.

“For a start, it was great switching from a club that was struggling in Super League (the Broncos) to one that was winning on a regular basis.

“I was also pretty happy with my form during the season, even though I had to play in a variety of positions. Last season was the first time I’d played hooker at this level, for instance.

“But you do whatever’s best for the team, so I was more than happy to give it a go.

“I’d obviously like to think I could give even more to the team next season and help us achieve a lot more.

“That’s my priority more than anything else at the moment.”