TRIUMPHANT Giants coach Tony Smith is hoping his Tetley's Super League play-off chasers will finally be handed the recognition they deserve after toppling leaders Leeds Rhinos in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras.

The magnificent 30-24 weekend win means Huddersfield have now beaten three of the so-called `big four' clubs this season in Leeds, Wigan and St Helens.

Huddersfield, who have the chance to complete a `grand slam' when they take on Bradford Bulls at Odsal on Sunday, August 3, went into Saturday's Sky clash living in the Super League shadows.

Smith confirmed his team's lack of exposure on Sky had been a major source of motivation leading up to the Leeds showdown, although he is now hoping all that changes.

"Around 5,000 to 6,000 people every week know that the Giants are a pretty decent team," said Smith.

"But we haven't had the opportunity to prove that to a wider audience, because in the opening 17 rounds of Super League we've had only our opening game against Warrington shown live.

"This Leeds match was our chance to show many more across the land that the Giants are a team worth watching and can play this game.

"I believe our win over the Rhinos will have done just that.

"I'm once again immensely proud of what my players have achieved, although in terms of overall performance I thought we were better against Wigan.

"But when you've just beaten the side sitting at the top of Super League it would be wrong to be too critical!

"The boys should be proud of what they are now doing, and I'm sure they are.

"It's pretty clear they are playing with a lot of self-belief and are determined to work as hard as they can for each other.

"They put in a tremendous amount of effort in the gym and on the field, and this effort is now paying off."

This latest win - their seventh of the campaign - will help improve the Giants' bid to secure a top six play-off spot.

They are now just three points away from that zone, although Smith is refusing to admit whether that is a target.

"We do set ourselves targets, but they remain firmly within the changing room," explained the Australian.

"But this win over Leeds is certainly a huge step forward for us."

Huddersfield's victory - their first over Leeds in 38 years - handed the Rhinos only their third Super League defeat of the season, although they remain top.

The victory was a major source of pride for chairman Ken Davy, who said: "We've been called the team of no names but there were 17 heroes on Saturday.

"All 17 did their jobs superbly and they are carving their names in the hearts of Huddersfield supporters.

"I'm immensely proud of them all."

Leeds coach Daryl Powell admitted the better team won.

"They are pretty dangerous with the ball in their hands, and their defence was strong," he said.

There was further good news for the Giants this morning with confirmation that prop-forward Mick Slicker has been named in the Ireland squad for this Autumn's European Championships.

Ireland take on France and Scotland in their pool games.