BIG Eorl Crabtree is appreciating more than most the Giants' current rise up the Super League ladder.

When the in-form 22-year-old prop signed for Huddersfield five years ago the club were the whipping boys of the top-flight competition.

For four seasons they finished bottom of Super League and could hardly buy a win.

Now, however, it's a totally different story, with the Giants concentrating on looking up rather than down.

It's a situation that leaves Crabtree glowing with pride, and makes him even more hungry for success.

"I suppose some may have questioned my decision to sign for the Giants when I did," said Crabtree.

"They were rooted firmly to the foot of the Super League table and were hardly the most respected side in the competition.

"But this was my hometown club and I knew I wanted to play for them.

"And with the way things have turned out, I'm delighted with the decision I made.

"In fact, because I remember the bad days, I think I can appreciate the good days even more, and it's great to be associated with a Giants side that is respected by everyone in the competition.

"There may have been a time when a Huddersfield Giants pack went into a Super League game feeling intimidated by their rivals, but not any more.

"The opposition pack have our total respect, and that's as far as it goes.

"We now go into every game expecting to get the getter of the opposition in the forward battle, and that will be the case at Salford again tonight.

"And, individually, I also expect to get the better of my opposite number.

"My confidence is now higher than it has ever been, thanks largely to the belief Jon Sharp has shown in me.

"I now go into every game feeling I'm going to smash my opponent and score some tries. That's something I've never really felt before.

"Under Geoff Evans' conditioning regime I'm now stronger and fitter than every before, and I've never enjoyed my rugby more.

"It'll be even better if we beat Salford and get back into a play-off spot."