Australian second rower knew exactly what he was letting himself in for when he signed for Huddersfield Giants in June.

The 27-year-old was taken on board from Manly Sea Eagles and walked into a scenario where the Giants had just parted with coach Paul Anderson and were struggling to escape the bottom four of Super League.

The Giants fate ended up being the Middle 8s and tomorrow they can ensure their Super League place for 2017 with a win at Hull KR – or face a home date in the ‘million pound game’ next week.

“When I signed for the Giants I knew that we were well and truly in a pickle,” said Symonds.

Huddersfield Giants' Jermaine McGillvary (left) and Tom Symonds (Pic by John Rushworth)

“I knew that it was going to be a fight to the end of the season, but I have to admit it has been surprising just how tough it has been .

“We have all had to stick together as a squad in the Middle 8s and try and make sure that we get the results that matter – which is still how it is.”

A 22-14 home win against Leeds Rhinos means that the game against the Robins can be decisive and Symonds is up for a tough contest.

“We have put in a couple of good performances and the win against Leeds was probably our best in the qualifiers,” said Symonds.

“Playing in the qualifiers is certainly different to anything I faced in the NRL and to be honest it can get a bit stressful for some of the guys.

WATCH: Tom Symonds says Giants are desperate to win the game against Hull KR this weekend

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“It is very exciting for the fans of the teams and the people following the competition, but for the players in the firing line it is certainly not easy.

“But the way we won against Leeds was a huge turn over from the round before against Leigh.

“It was a much needed performance and it was what we needed mentally.

“It put a fair bit of confidence back and put a lot more belief in the camp – it showed what we are capable of.”