Larne Patrick believes the fear of another Paul Anderson post-match grilling could be enough to wake the Huddersfield Giants from their current Super League slumber.

Huddersfield head to in-form Castleford Tigers tonight (8.00) still smarting from last Saturday’s demoralising 36-10 home defeat to Salford Red Devils.

That was just the Giants’ second defeat in their last 11 top-flight fixtures.

But even though Huddersfield have been chalking up the wins, their performances haven’t been the best.

And Patrick is hoping the events of six days ago and some home truths from head coach Anderson will act as a timely wake-up call and bring the best out of the Giants once again, starting with tonight’s tough trip to fourth-placed Castleford.

“We do feel as if we’ve got a bit of a point to prove,” said Patrick, who has been handed a back-row start tonight.

“Everyone was absolutely gutted with the way we played against Salford. We obviously didn’t mean to play like that, it was just one of those times where none of us seemed to be able to raise our game.

“As a result, we were given a bit of a grilling by Baloo in review, and it wasn’t very pleasant!

“I don’t think anyone would like a repeat of that again in a hurry. It’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t.

“Even though we’d been winning up to the Salford game, we’d been winning ugly, so what happened on Saturday will hopefully end up being a blessing in disguise. It may be just what we need to help us really get our act together.”

Patrick will, however, be part of a Giants side rocked by injuries to key players.

Huddersfield include teenagers Jake Connor, Kruise Leeming and Jack Miller in their 19-man squad following the loss through injury of Danny Brough (ankle and jaw), Scott Grix (groin) and David Fauimu (shoulder and groin), while props Anthony Mullally and Antonio Kaufusi are hoping for recall.

The absences – added to those of hooker Shaun Lunt (calf) and winger Aaron Murphy – mean Patrick will be handed a back-row start against the Tigers.

And he can’t wait for another chance to show exactly what he can do.

“Personally, I’ve been happy with the way I’ve played when I’ve had the chance in the back-row. I enjoy playing there,” added the 25-year-old Wales World Cup star.

“To be honest, I see this as an ideal opportunity to show Baloo this should be my position next year.

“But my main priority right now is doing what I can to help us beat Cas tonight.

“We know it’s not going to be easy. We’re going there with injuries to key players to face a Cas side who are bang in form and in front of a home crowd who make it a pretty intimidating atmosphere.

“As a result, the key for us is to go there firing and try and play on the front foot from the start.

“Although we were poor against Salford, we know we are a good side and, to be honest, we’re looking forward to getting back onto the field and proving it.

“We feel as if we’re going to Castleford as the underdogs and with our backs-against-the-wall.

“But that can very often bring the best out of you.”

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