Giants chief Paul Anderson accepts it will take time for his new left-side combination to reach its full potential.

But he’s aware it’s already destructive enough to inflict maximum damage on St Helens in Sunday’s Super League clash at the John Smith’s Stadium.

With England second-row forward Brett Ferres ruled out for up to four months with the right ankle injury suffered during the 18-12 Good Friday home defeat to Salford Red Devils, Ukuma Ta’ai stepped in to take his role during Monday’s 20-16 loss at Hull KR.

Although Tonga World Cup forward Ta’ai initially struggled to make an impact in the new role, he became stronger the longer the game progressed.

And Anderson is confident that when Ta’ai and Danny Brough gain a better understand of how they work together, their new combination will prove a winner.

“We are going to miss Brett. He’s a current England international back-rower,” said Anderson.

“He was obviously missed at Hull KR the other day, and that was because we had only 20 minutes of practice the day before the game for our new left side to work together.

“There’s obviously not the same understanding between Broughy and Ukuma as there is between Broughy and Brett, because of the time they spend working together.

“So it’s up to the new pair to get used to playing with each other, and when that happens we all know what a handful Ukuma can be when he carries the ball.

“We’re looking to see more of that against Saints this weekend.”