COMMITTED Giants coach Tony Smith is ready for his injury-hit squad to make one final big push for the Super League play-offs.
Smith yesterday watched his side throw away a 12-point interval lead against fellow top-six rivals Widnes Vikings as a thrilling McAlpine encounter finished 30-30.
That was a League point achieved without inspirational trio Brandon Costin, Steve McNamara and Paul March and keeps their play-off hopes alive.
And the Australian is hoping all three will be fit to return for Friday's trip to neighbours Halifax as the Giants bid to make a return to winnings ways.
"I'll be keeping all of my remaining body parts crossed that all three are fit again and that everyone came through this tough match against Widnes unscathed", said Smith.
"I'm obviously very disappointed that we didn't win this match after we'd performed so well to build up a 30-18 lead at the break.
"But when you can't hold on to the ball like we didn't in the second half you're always going to make life difficult for yourself.
"It was during that second half that we really needed a general out there, a Costin or a McNamara.
"It was their level of experience that we were lacking.
"But I can't fault the effort of those who played for me, and to have to include two part-timers in Craig McDowell and Chris Plume on the bench showed how stretched we were for numbers.
"Hopefully, it'll be different for the final six games of the season and we can have a really good go.
"If I can get all my players fit and available again we'll put ourselves in a good position for the remainder of the campaign.
"Having said that, all that matters right now is preparing for Halifax.
"There will be no thoughts of the play-offs as we get ready for this match, although I have to admit that if we do win our last six games we'll be pretty close."
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