Huddersfield Giants prop Eorl Crabtree is expecting plenty of pressure when the inaugural Super 8s kick-off on Thursday.
The Giants travel to Wigan’s DW Stadium (8pm) for the first match of the new second phase of the season, holding an advantage over the chasing pack.
Points earned in Super League are carried over and Crabtree admitted that the four clubs who finished behind the Giants in the table will be determined to make up ground quickly.
“The teams below us have a lot to play for,” said Crabtree.
“With the points carrying over they have instantly got ground to make up.
“The likes of Castleford and Warrington can compete for the semi-final slots, but it will be interesting as they are already playing catch up.
“There could be some upsets along the way because those below us simply have to save themselves.”
Because of that element the former England international prop believes the experiment with the season’s finale could prove enthralling.
“It all comes into the equation and it could make it very exciting and hopefully it works,” he added.
“But what we have to do is look after ourselves.
“We have earned a top four place and we have got to look to build on that.”
“The way we have been playing has seen us get results, but we have not be playing well enough and it has not been pretty over the last few games.
“The defence has been going well enough, but we have things that we need to work out.”
