Huddersfield Giants head coach Rick Stone can now look ahead to building a side for Super League in 2017.
The 49-year-old Australian, who joined the club in July on a contract that runs to the end of 2018, was relieved to get the crucial win as his side defeated Hull KR 3-22 on Humberside to claim third spot in the Middle 8s.
The former Newcastle Knights coach admitted it had been nerve-jangling as his side had a 22-4 half-time lead whittled away to a 22-22 tie – stand off half Danny Brough’s 73rd minute drop goal settling the issue in the Giants favour.
“It wasn’t pretty in the second half and our management could have been better, but we showed plenty of tenacity when we needed it,” said Stone.
“It was a tough ask to come here and win. We got away to a decent lead and with the breeze they fought back.
"It wasn’t textbook at the end but the result was the only thing that mattered.
“It’s been an interesting couple of weeks but I’ve really enjoyed it.
“We can start planning a bit now, which is nice, W
“We haven’t had the luxury of being able to do that up until now.
“But we won, which was all that mattered and just now we’re going to enjoy the moment.”
