Excited Michael Lawrence is confident the Huddersfield Giants can make a strong start to their Super League XXI season at a venue that has been kind to them in the past.
Huddersfield head to St Helens on Friday night (8.00) with positive memories of recent previous trips to Langtree Park.
Head coach Paul Anderson’s men secured a 28-22 Super 8s triumph on their last visit in August, 2015 and enjoyed a stunning 40-4 opening-night success at Saints on the way to claiming the 2013 Super League Leaders Shield after Huddersfield’s first top-of-the-table finish in 81 years.
It was a season Huddersfield-born Lawrence will never forget.
But he’s confident his hometown club can savour another memorable evening on Merseyside and mount another strong top-four Super League challenge.
“We’re ready to start this season knowing we’re capable of going all the way,” said the former Newsome Panthers junior.
“I know that’s the sort of thing every player at every club is saying right now, because we’re all starting at the same place.
“But having been around a club in pre-season that’s now consistently competing for - and gaining - a top-four spot, I know everything’s in place for us to take that next big step and win a major piece of silverware.
“And we’d love to put down a marker at Saints on Friday night.
Take a look at our pictures from the Civic Reception held for the Huddersfield Giants below
“It is a ground we enjoy visiting. Some of our results over the past few seasons have shown that.
“We see no reason why we can’t go there on Friday night and chalk up another win.
“If we do that, then we know we’re doing something right.”
Lawrence is again in line for another back-row shot after impressing in the pre-season trial triumphs at Hull KR (38-6) and at home to Catalans Dragons.
Like many of his teammates, he looked sharp and strong – and eager to build on this as the 2016 campaign progresses.
“We’re in great shape for the start,” he added.
“I’m personally feeling good about things. I’ve spent a fair amount of time working on my speed with (new conditioning chief) John Noonan, and I feel as if it’s really paid off. Hopefully, everyone else will have seen that, too.
“But I also feel as strong as ever, which I know will be put to the test at Saints on Friday night.
“They’re always strong in the forwards and test you down the middle.
“But we got the better, physically, of Hull KR and Catalans in the trials, so we definitely feel ready to face Saints.”
