Eorl Crabtree will celebrate his 400th Giants appearance with a victory at home to Castleford Tigers tonight – thanks to his efforts and the rest of the pack.
That’s the prediction from head coach Paul Anderson as Huddersfield look to secure a Super 8s success which will take them a massive step closer to securing a play-off semi-final spot.
Popular prop Crabtree’s influence on the Giants in 2015 has grown as the season has progressed.
As a result, he’s again expected to play a leading role in helping Huddersfield beat the Tigers and move to within one win of a top-four finishing spot.
And if that’s the case, then all of the Giants pack deserve to take the credit.
“It’s going to be a special night for Eorl, and it’s one that’s thoroughly deserved,” said Anderson, who is ready to field the same side that secured the battling 28-22 triumph at St Helens in their last game a fortnight ago.
“To reach 400 games for the one club is a fantastic feat and he’s been a fantastic servant for Huddersfield Giants since the day he first played for the club’s Academy at the old Fartown ground all those years ago (just over 15 years ago).
“It’s now the case that when you think about the Giants, you almost automatically think about Eorl Crabtree. He really is regarded as the face of this famous club.
“And we all know that if Eorl helps us to play on the front foot, we’ll be in a very strong position to get the job done and keep on course for that play-off semi-final spot.
“I think it’s fair to say that Eorl had a bit of a slow start to his year, although I may be partly responsible for that because of the amount of gametime he had.
“But I also think that’s worked out for him now. He’s looking fresh for this stage of the year and is making a very valuable contribution for us as a result.
“In the past, we’ve been heavily reliant on him throughout the year, but this time that’s probably not been the case.
“With the way everyone else has been playing around him, a lot of pressure has been taken off his shoulders and he’s been reaping the rewards.
“The forwards have been doing a good job for us, and their efforts will be massive in helping us get the victory over Castleford tonight.”
Read more: Pressure is on for Castleford Tigers to win at Huddersfield Giants
The third-placed Giants are favourites to win the derby encounter, with the fifth-placed Tigers having slipped out of the top four with their 44-26 defeat at Catalans Dragons 12 days ago and the subsequent loss of captain Michael Shenton through injury (dislocated shoulder) and the internal club suspension of blockbusting winger Justin Carney.
But Anderson is reading little into Castleford’s potential woes.
“Cas’s strength has always been their togetherness, even in the face of adversity,” added Anderson.
“And there’s no doubt there’s been some internal disruption.
“At times like this, you can either divide or unite, and we’re expecting to be facing a united Castleford tonight.
“Having said that, our main focus, as always, is to make sure we’re as well prepared as we possible can be, regardless of who the opposition are and the form they’re in.”
