PAUL ANDERSON believes a number of the Giants players in action against Batley yesterday could have earned a place in the senior squad for next Sunday’s home pre-season clash against Hull KR.

The Giants assistant coach was highly encouraged by the way a young Huddersfield side competed against the full-strength Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant before falling to a 30-18 defeat.

Head coach Nathan Brown watched from the stands and he has already made it clear he will field his strongest available side in next weekend’s Eorl Crabtree testimonial clash against the Robins at the Galpharm Stadium.

“Overall, it was a really good work-out yesterday against good opposition,” said Anderson.

“Obviously, the result didn’t go our way, but there were a lot of very encouraging signs. Everyone who put their foot over the line in this game has given themselves a good opportunity to play against Hull KR next weekend.

“And that’s what we were hoping ahead of this match.

“The players were all well aware that playing next week would be the reward for a good performance against Batley, and a lot of people put in good performances yesterday.”

Match report – Pages 34 & 35.