KEEPING it clean could be the key to Giants’ Super League success over Bradford Bulls at the Galpharm on Sunday.

That’s the view of caretaker coach Keiron Purtill as his side looks to erase the memory of last week’s 46-16 defeat at in-form St Helens.

At the heart of that defeat was a penalty count of 18-4 against Huddersfield, which enabled Saints to take the game well beyond the Giants’ grasp.

And making sure there’s no repeat against the Bulls this weekend could make all the difference in the world.

“We competed well against Saints in the opening 20 minutes and in the final 20 minutes,” said Purtill.

“But it was the period in between that obviously caused the problems. That’s when St Helens took complete control and the game went away from us.

“And obviously that’s when the penalties took their toll.

“Our discipline was good at the start and finish of the game, and that’s when we showed what we can do.

“So, now the challenge is to make sure we can keep it clean for the full 80 minutes, because if we do that then there’s no doubt we won’t be that far away.

“Giving away so many penalties and giving away so much possession is bound to hurt you against any side, let alone St Helens, and we’re aware that if we’re on the end of a similar penalty count against Bradford on Sunday we’ll suffer the same fate.

“The Bulls have some very dangerous players in their side and are now running into some form.

“They may have just lost Shontayne Hape (to rugby union), which is obviously good news for us! But they’re getting some of their players back from injury now and they’re going to pose a massive threat.

“Terry Newton is posing a real threat, while David Solomona is always a potential matchwinner, and Andy Lynch and Sam Burgess have really been taking the game to the opposition up front.

“We are, therefore, expecting another tough, physical battle.

“But even though we’ll be without John Skandalis (knee) and Eorl Crabtree (fractured finger) we’re still confident we have the players up front to challenge the opposition.

“It promises to be another cracking contest, and we know we have the ability to get the right result.

“We’ve been strong all season at the Galpharm, and we’re determined to be strong once again this weekend.

“All the signs suggest there will be a big crowd on Sunday, and it would be fantastic if we could put on a big performance on the back of it.”