GIANTS chief Nathan Brown is looking to make at least five major changes for Friday’s home clash against Castleford Tigers.
Brett Hodgson, Eorl Crabtree, Keith Mason, Lee Gilmour and David Fa’alogo are all in line for a return after missing Monday’s demoralising 30-18 defeat at the struggling Salford City Reds.
Hodgson and Crabtree were absent after suffering minor knocks during the 48-6 thrashing of Catalans Dragons on Good Friday, while Keith Mason was feeling the effects of his first full game of the season after a torn pectoral muscle in the first few minutes of the Super League opener against Bradford Bulls.
Gilmour was rested after making a big impact in the opening nine rounds of the campaign and for fellow back-rower Fa’alogo, Friday will be his first match since picking up a hamstring injury in the win at Harlequins last month.
All five will add considerable experience to the Giants’ line-up as they seek to make it four wins out of four in front of the Sky TV cameras this year.
And Brown is delighted to be able to include his senior brigade in the wake of his side’s woes at The Willows, although a decision on whether to bring back Hodgson will be taken later in the week when he has been assessed fully.
“We were always looking to make the changes, whatever the result at Salford,” said Brown.
“Several of those who will be coming back on Friday could have played, at a push, against Salford, but it’s a long, hard season and the beauty of having a strong squad is being able to rotate players to keep them as fresh as we possibly can.
“So, hopefully, that will be reflected in our performance this Friday.”
