Shaun Lunt feels the mood inside the Huddersfield Giants camp is almost identical to that of Leeds Rhinos ahead of their charge towards the Super League title 12 months ago.
The in-form Huddersfield hooker rounded off a memorable loan spell at the Rhinos by helping them secure Super League Grand Final glory over Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford in 2012.
Lunt was a member of a Leeds side that memorably lifted the Super League trophy from fifth place at the end of the regular season.
In complete contrast, the Giants embark on their play-off campaign at home to Wigan Warriors tonight (8.00) after finishing top of the table for the first time in 81 years.
And Lunt is 100% confident he can collect his second Super League ring at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 5.
“There really is a very similar feel here to how it was at Leeds this time last year,” said Lunt, who was this week named in the Super League Dream Team for the first time.
“Everyone’s enjoying ripping in and digging in at training, and really excited about playing in the games that are left.
“That was how it felt at Leeds last year, and that’s exactly how it feels at the Giants at the moment.
“Everyone knows what happened with Leeds last year, and I don’t see why it can’t be the same with the Giants this season.
“We’re in good shape, in confident mood and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“Wigan tonight should be a cracking game, and we know only our best will be good enough.
“And that’s what we’re determined to be – at our very best.”
Lunt knows the key to the Giants’ success this season is the way they’ve been performing as a team.
But he also knows head coach Paul Anderson deserves a great deal of the credit for Huddersfield’s rise.
“We always knew when Baloo took over he’d do a great job,” he added.
“He’s been at the very top of the game throughout his playing career and won every trophy in the game.
“He’s brought that winning culture and mentality with him to the Giants, and that’s been massive.
“Throughout this season he’s remained calm and relaxed, and that’s rubbed off on everyone and brought the best out of us.
“That’s a strategy that’ll remain throughout the play-offs.”
