Nathan Mason is ready to replace the injured Eorl Crabtree for the Giants Super 8s trip to Hull FC.

Experienced prop Crabtree is struggling with a couple of knocks, and the short turnaround from Sunday’s 48-10 home destruction of Warrington to Friday’s game at the KC Stadium has proved too much for the 32-year-old.

But with the 22-year-old Mason waiting in the wings, assistant coach Kieron Purtill is confident the Giants can still win the forward battle against the Black and Whites and maintained their top-two challenge.

“The fact Eorl’s knocking on 40 and played 6,000 games (that's a joke by the way) has probably got the better of him!” said Purtill.

“He’s been an ever-present this year and been showing some great form, but he’s understandably carrying a couple of knocks and the short turnaround between games this week has gone against him.

“But that means Nathan Mason has the chance to step up, and everyone at the club knows he won’t let anyone down.

“He did well when he played at Saints a couple of months ago, and we know he’ll play well at Hull on Friday night.

“We’ve all got 100% faith in him.”