In-form prop Daniel Smith knows the nature of the Giants’ 36-8 pre-season destruction of Hull KR has given everyone in the squad a massive boost in confidence.
Huddersfield physically dominated their hosts from start to finish, with head coach Paul Anderson full of praise for the platform laid by starting front-row forwards Smith and Sam Rapira.
It was a sign of the way the new conditioning regime under John Noonan is successfully coming together.
And even though the Giants are expected to be handed a far more physical test in Saturday’s second and final warm-up clash at home to Catalans Dragons, Smith knows the Giants are ready.
“The way things went at Hull KR the other day hasn’t done anyone any harm at all,” said the 22-year-old former Wakefield man.
“We did all feel pre-season was going well, but obviously the game last weekend was the acid test.
“All the boys have been saying they feel miles stronger, and I think it showed against Hull KR by how sharp we were. We looked fitter and all everyone is reaping the rewards of it.
“It’s given us so much more confidence that we’ve been doing the right things, and that’s massive for a squad, particularly with the start of the new season just a few weeks away.
“I’m also happy for all the new lads, too, with the way things went.
“Sam and Ryan (Hinchcliffe) showed their class, but I think we were all especially pleased for Oli (Roberts) after missing out all last year.
“He took a big hit in the first set at the weekend, and to score a try off the back of it just shows what type of player he is, and I’m looking forward to playing with him now and watching him kick-on.
“Having said all this, no-one is going to get carried away.
“We need to go back into training this week and keep on improving.
“We have to make sure we keep on doing what we’ve been doing, and I’m sure we’ll continue the good work against Catalans this weekend.
“Our challenge is obviously to make sure we’re event better second time around.”
