IN-FORM Huddersfield Giants will take on Warrington on Friday knowing their play-off dream could remain alive going into the final game of the season.
Yesterday's thrilling 25-12 triumph over fellow play-off chasers Widnes has kept the Giants well and truly in the mix.
The McAlpine men remain one of the outsiders to claim a top-six spot.
But if the Giants beat the Wolves in front of the Sky TV cameras at the McAlpine this Friday and Widnes win at home to London next Sunday, Huddersfield could still make it.
With the Giants due to travel to the Broncos on the last day of the season, it could be winner-takes-all in the capital clash to decide who lands the last play-off place up for grabs.
Yesterday's win leapfrogged the Giants above Widnes into ninth, and they are now level on points with Castleford, two behind Warrington and three behind the Broncos.
That underlines, first, the significance of Friday's date with the Wolves, with Giants head coach Tony Smith refusing to look beyond this exciting encounter.
"It really is a fantastic competition, and it's great that there is still so much at stake for so many clubs with just two games remaining," said Smith.
"But we can't afford to lose our focus and look any further than Warrington coming here on Friday night.
"We've kept things alive with this victory over Widnes and I'll be looking for some more of the same against the Wolves.
"All I will be asking for this week is to perform as well as we can on Friday night. If we can do that, we won't go far wrong.
"I was delighted with a lot of the aspects of our play yesterday and I want the same again.
"Even without attacking players of the quality of Costin and Gene I thought we asked a lot of questions of the Widnes defence and that was really pleasing.
"We controlled the ball exceptionally well and made just four errors in the first half and three in the second.
"We copped a bit of criticism over the way we had played at Castleford the week before and I think yesterday's effort was the perfect way to respond.
"But we were also solid in defence and scrambled well when we had to.
"Overall, this was a good effort, and I'll be looking for it again."
There was initial concern on the injury front regarding prop Jim Gannon.
He over-extended an elbow during a tackle and is already receiving treatment.
But it is hoped he will be fit for Friday.
Overall, yesterday's match proved another physical encounter, although beaten Widnes coach Neil Kelly was far from impressed with the style adopted by the Giants.
"All credit to Huddersfield, they are a very tough team to beat and you know you've been in a game against them," he said.
"But their style isn't one that sits well with me."
Match Report
