Chris Bailey has described the Huddersfield Giants’ home Super 8s clash against Catalans Dragons as a ‘must-win’ fixture.
Huddersfield need to beat the French in Friday’s John Smith’s Stadium showdown to remain on course for a top-four finish and a place in the play-off semi-finals.
The Giants opened their seven-match Super 8s campaign with a 30-22 defeat at Wigan Warriors and could lose fourth spot in the Super League table if Castleford Tigers secure a home win over Warrington Wolves tomorrow night.
That possibility clearly raises the stakes for the Giants against the Dragons, with club officials hoping to attract extra fans by promoting a ‘Giant Night Out’ with matchday admission and a pint for just £20.
And suffering a loss against Catalans is something Australian loose-forward Bailey is refusing to contemplate.
“We can’t afford to give any points away in the last six games, so this game against Catalans is absolutely vital,” said Bailey, whose side faces home other home fixtures against Castleford, Leeds and Warrington and trips to St Helens and Hull FC as they bid to reach their first Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 10.
“Any loss could be the difference to us finishing in the top four or outside it.
“That makes this fixture on Friday a massive one for us. We’ve worked incredibly hard to guarantee a top-four finish at the end of the regular season, and we don’t want to throw all that hard work away now.
“We showed with the way we played in the opening 30 minutes at Wigan the other night what a good side we can be (the Giants were deservedly 10-0 ahead at that stage).
“So the message this week is to make sure we maintain that quality of start for the full 80 minutes. If we do that, then we know we’ll be more than good enough to beat Catalans on Friday night.
“There’s no doubt they’re a good side with plenty of talent.
“They can definitely turn it on, and I’d rather play them here than in France, so we’ve got to make the most of our home advantage.”
Friday’s fixture will be the fourth time the sides will have met this season.
Huddersfield were far too strong when they met at the John Smith’s in April as they stormed to a 38-14 victory, while they battled out a 22-22 draw at Magic Weekend in May before the Giants secured a hard-fought 14-12 triumph in the South of France just under a month ago.
Another close encounter is anticipated later this week, particularly with the Dragons having beaten St Helens 26-16 in Perpignan at the weekend.
That’s why Huddersfield are so eager to attract strong home backing and have announced their ‘Giant Night Out’ promotion.
The admission and free pint deal of £20 is for adults, while the same deal is £14 for over 65s and under 23s. For those who don’t fancy a pint, a soft drink is available.
The special offer tickets must be bought through the John Smith’s Stadium Ticket Office or online before 5pm on Friday.
Meanwhile, 2015 season-ticket holders will be able to use their booklets to gain entry to all of the Giants’ home Super 8s games and children who have paid for away vouchers will be able to use these at the games on the road.
The Giants have also launched a Super 8s Ticket Pack, covering all home Super 8s games. Adults can watch all four fixtures in the Revell Ward Stand Lower Tier, LV Britannia Rescue Stand and Fantastic Media Lower Tier for just £70, while over 65s and under 23s can get theirs for just £50.
Once again, Under 8s go FREE at the Giants with an Under 8s Season Ticket, which covers all home Super 8s games. Under 8s Season Tickets must be bought through the John Smith’s Ticket Office.
The John Smith’s Stadium Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12 midday. The Ticket Hotline is 01484 484123.
