Huddersfield Giants’ players have admitted to feeling nervous as they prepare to meet new head coach Rick Stone.
The 49-year-old Australian lands in England today and the players have no inkling how things might change under the former Newcastle Knights and Fiji coach.
“We are all excited to meet him and hope he can help us drive in the right direction,” said long-serving prop Eorl Crabtree.
“We have been a little bit lost at times this year and probably need a bit more guidance – and that’s what he is here for.”
The former England international welcomed the two-and-half-year contract the Giants have handed to the new boss.
“It’s a long-term thing, it’s got to be good,” added 33-year-old, who is in his 17th season with the Giants.
“It is important the club has direction and is working towards a goal and has a person in charge who knows what he wants from the team.”
Crabtree says he doesn’t know much about the new man and said: “I’m totally ignorant of the NRL .
“I’ve had limited opportunities to watch it. I know nothing about what he (Stone) might expect from us – it’s going to be an exciting new challenge for all of us.
“Someone is coming in and is going to judge us and how we work and the environment. He will probably want to put his mark on things.
“He will be looking at what we do and how we play. I hope he doesn’t want to change everything, but he will have his own way of playing.”
The arrival of a new head coach will give the younger players the chance to shine added Crabtree.
Oliver Roberts said he was looking forward to “someone fresh” coming in.
“I’ve never been under an Aussie coach before,” said the 21-year-old Ireland international second rower.
“I will learn from him and the Aussie boys at the Giants that know him have spoken very highly of him,
“He will bring something new and the lads will want to get on his side – it’s a good boost for us.”
