HUDDERSFIELD Giants' Super League play-off bid has been boosted by the deduction of four points from rivals Wigan.

The punishment meted out by the Rugby Football League after the Lancashire club broke the salary cap last season means the Giants rise from ninth to eighth in the table, a place and a point ahead of Wigan, who were fourth, with six games remaining.

The top six make the play-offs, and Huddersfield are a point behind Hull, who currently occupy the cut-off spot and have a game in hand (at home to Salford on Sunday).

In climbing clear of relegation danger last season, Wigan were found to have over-spent on players’ wages by £222,314, which equates to 6.3% above the 50% limit of their income.

Huddersfield officials were today keeping a discreet silence on the controversial issue.

But the decision taken in Leeds yesterday has to be seen as a boost to the play-off hopes of all the other contenders.

Coach Jon Sharp, left, and his players have this weekend off before returning to action on Sunday, August 5 with a home clash against Catalans, who face Wigan in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals at Warrington on Sunday (Bradford and St Helens clash in the other semi at the Galpharm on Saturday).

Wigan, who claim they have been penalised for a different interpretation of the rules, have 15 days to appeal but say no decision will be made until they receive the written judgement from last night’s four-hour hearing in front of an independent three-man tribunal.