Paul Anderson expects departing Craig Kopczak to lead the Giants by example in Thursday’s Super League play-off semi-final clash at Wigan Warriors.
The 28-year-old prop is poised to be unveiled as a Salford Red Devils player for 2016 after rejecting a new Giants deal.
But even though the Wales World Cup captain is ready to bring the curtain down on a highly-successful three years at the John Smith’s Stadium, Anderson knows that won’t affect his approach to Thursday’s clash as the Giants look to secure a victory which would secure them a first Super League Grand Final appearance.
“Koppy’s a good player and a good bloke, and it’ll be disappointing to see him leave,” said Anderson.
“We did make him an offer, but that was rejected. Unfortunately, that’s something that happens in our sport.
”But even though he’ll soon be leaving us, we know he’ll be a key player for us against Wigan.
“His form this season has been very good and very consistent, and we fully expect him to maintain that form in our remaining games – which will hopefully be this Thursday and then the Grand Final the following Saturday.
“Like the other players who’ll be leaving us at the end of the year (Chris Bailey, Jodie Broughton and Jack Hughes), I know how desperate they are to finish their time here on as positive a note as possible, and that obviously means with success in the Grand Final.”
But while Anderson would have liked to have held onto former Bradford prop Kopczak for next year, he’s still have been the strength of the front-row he’ll have at his disposal.
“We’ve still got Eorl Crabtree, Craig Huby and Daniel Smith, and are bringing in Sam Rapira from the New Zealand Warriors,” added Anderson.
“On top of that, Ukuma Ta’ai has been great when he’s moved up to prop and we know when Larne Patrick returns from Wigan he’ll also be able to make a successful switch from back row to front row when required.
“And young Josh Johnson and Nathan Mason have both made positive contributions when they’ve stepped up, so we’re certainly not lacking in options.
“But right now, the only thing that matters is this season and making sure we give us the best possible chance of winning at Wigan.
“We know we can do it.”
Kopczak will be part of a Giants side which will show a couple of changes to the one that suffered last Friday’s heartbreaking 20-16 home defeat to newly-crowned minor champions Leeds Rhinos.
