CONFIDENT Giants coach Jon Sharp is backing stand-in captain Mick Slicker to inspire his under-strength side to a performance full of pride in tonight's Super League clash at leaders Leeds Rhinos (8.00).

The in-form prop is ready to lead the Giants in the absence of captain Darren Fleary and vice captain Darren Turner.

They are two of six first-choice players who miss tonight's match, with Stanley Gene, Paul March, Paul Reilly and Ben Roarty also on the sidelines.

But Sharp is confident all of his replacements will rise to the occasion, with Slicker taking the lead role.

"Mick is a potential future captain of this club and I have every confidence he will relish this chance," said Sharp.

"He's a natural leader, and he showed when he captained us against York in the Challenge Cup quarter-final that he won't let anyone down.

"I've been delighted with the form he's been showing this season and I see no reason why he won't lead us by example tonight.

"And I also see no reason why those players who have been handed their chance tonight won't prove a big point.

"It's been frustrating for the likes of Matthew Whittaker, who have had to wait until now to make their senior debut this season.

"Matthew has waited very patiently and trained exceptionally hard, and I hope that after tonight he will have shown me I was wrong not to have picked him before now.

"It's also fairly similar for Ben Cooper and Phil Joseph, whose chances have been restricted.

"Then there's Jonathan Grayshon and Iain Morrison who are coming back after injury.

"So, all in all, it's a big night for a lot of players."

* The Giants ticket office will be open between noon and 3pm tomorrow for the sale of the remaining Challenge Cup semi-final tickets.