Defiant Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson feels his side have some unfinished business in 2014.
Huddersfield’s dream of following up their Super League XVIII minor championship win with a first Old Trafford Grand Final appearance was shattered last night as they suffered a heartbreaking 30-22 Qualifying Semi-Final defeat at Warrington Wolves.
Only a late Simon Grix try denied the Giants the possibility of a trip to the Theatre of Dreams next Saturday.
But Anderson has already made it clear his side is planning to go one better next year and claim the ultimate Super League prize.
“Everyone talks about what a great year it’s been for the Giants of 2013,” said Anderson.
“And to finish top of the table for the first time in 81 years does make it pretty special.
“But we’re obviously not 100% happy, because we haven’t achieved all our season’s objectives.
“We’ve missed out on Old Trafford this year because Warrington were the better side last night.
“We’ve now got to make sure it’s a totally different story this time next year. That’s what we’ll immediately start working towards.
“Although we’ve won the League Leaders Shield we still feel we’ve got some unfinished business.”
Huddersfield’s cause wasn’t helped last night by the late withdrawal of Scott Grix (groin), the fact Jason Chan hadn’t trained all week due to illness, a first-half arm injury suffered by Brett Ferres and a couple of key refereeing decisions going against them.
But Anderson refused to use those as an excuse.
“To be honest, we always thought Grixy would be a doubt. he was struggling all week,” added Anderson.
“But Jake Connor came in and did a top job at full-back. He’s only 18 and has a very bright future ahead of him.
“Brett copped a shoulder knock and couldn’t come back on, but Dale Ferguson came in and did well, while Channy was a stand-out player.”
