The impressive returns of Michael Lawrence and Kyle Wood has given Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson a big selection headache ahead of Friday’s home Super League XX clash against Widnes Vikings.

The fit-again duo made valuable contributions as Huddersfield suffered a late and heartbreaking 28-24 defeat at Leeds Rhinos.

It was Lawrence and Wood’s first Super League starts of the season following major surgery.

Back-row forward Lawrence underwent a wrist operation at the end of last season, while hooker Wood was playing his first game since suffering a knee injury during the home win over Catalans Dragons six months ago.

They made the most of their chance in place of the rested Chris Bailey and Luke Robinson, and Anderson was full of praise for the way they took their chance.

“I thought everybody contributed on the night, and that’s what they need to do,” said Anderson.

“It was particularly encouraging to see Woody and Bruno back out there again. I thought Woody was good when he went to nine and Bruno also contributed very positively.

“It was just what we’d hoped to see when they got their chance, and it gives us plenty more options for the games ahead.

“It’s a further sign that things will start to come good.”