Delighted Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson has hailed last night’s 24-8 triumph at Wigan Warriors as a far better achievement than last season’s opening day victory at St Helens.

But the Huddersfield chief has admitted some of the gloss was taken off the DW Stadium success by a potentially serious knee injury to forward Larne Patrick.

That injury on the stroke of half-time failed to knock the Giants out of their stride, with the manner of their success leaving Anderson feeling encouraged.

“Our opening-night win at St. Helens 12 months ago (40-4) was pretty special,” said Anderson.

“But I thought this win at Wigan was even more pleasing.

“They are the Super League champions, but we’ve gone to their place and done a job on them – even though I know we could have done a lot better.

“To be honest, I thought there were times when we looked a little under-done, which is to be expected after having just the one trial game against Hull KR last week.

“So I know there’s a lot of room for improvement, which makes this win even more encouraging.

“It’s just a shame it wasn’t such a good night for Larne.

Huddersfield Giants' Larne Patrick lies injured on the ground with Leroy Cudjoe attending First Utility Super League XIX Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants 07/02/14 (Pic by John Rushworth)

“At this stage we don’t know how bad the injury is – it’s now a case of sorting out scans – but we’ve got the best medical staff in the competition, so we know he’ll get the right treatment.”

Wigan Warriors 8 Huddersfield Giants 24: Examiner match report - click here to read

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