I HAVE to admit that the defeat against St Helens was a real kick in the guts.

After the way we played to beat Catalans Dragons in the South of France we all felt pretty confident going into the Saints game.

But, unfortunately, we just couldn’t get the better of them on the day, and they proved why they are one of the best sides in the competition.

It was encouraging to create the number of opportunities we did – there were probably about six or seven, and on three of those occasions we were held up over the line – but the way St Helens defended showed why they are such a champion side.

And they also showed those champion qualities on attack, because they probably created about the same opportunities as us but made them count.

Those are lessons that we hope to learn, starting against Bradford Bulls at Odsal tonight.

There’s no question a week is a long time in footy, and hopefully by tonight the fans will see a far more clinical Giants side who have put in a much-improved performance.

If we do that then I’m sure we’ll be in for a great evening, but if we don’t I suppose it could add some fuel to the fire.

But we remain hopeful it won’t.

Although it was disappointing to lose, we know as a group we’re not far off being there in terms of being a top-quality team.

The key is just to keep on working hard, because we know we’ll get the rewards and we can be a genuine force in Super League.

We’re all just keeping our fingers crossed we can show that tonight.

And, hopefully, it’ll be in front of another noisy set of Giants fans, just like it was last weekend.

To be honest, I already can’t get enough of the fans over here. I just love them!

I’VE got my fingers crossed that young Leroy Cudjoe, right, goes well in the centres against the Bulls tonight.

I’m obviously well aware that he produced some strong performances for the Giants from the full-back position last season, and I’ve now come along and taken his spot.

Fortunately, he doesn’t appear to have taken it too personally.

It’s obvious to everyone he’s got a lot of potential, and from day one I’ve said to him that if he needs me I’ll always been here to help him.

In fact, you’re never too young to learn, and under Browny I feel I’ve learned a great deal since I arrived here.

I’m sure that goes for everyone in the squad, including Leroy, of course.

Yes, he’s definitely a quality player, but right now – for the next couple of years while I’m here that is – I clearly think those talents would be far better suited to the centre or the wings!