GIANTS coach Nathan Brown is hoping England international Eorl Crabtree will be fit for next Sunday’s home clash with Crusaders as Huddersfield potentially face a front row forward crisis.

Crabtree was named in the initial squad of 19 for Sunday’s 44-18 defeat at Castleford, but did not feature in the squad of 17.

However, it is expected he will be back from his ankle injury to face the Welshmen, which could prove a timely recovery as there are doubts over the fitness of Keith Mason.

Mason had to retire midway through the first half at Castleford through injury, but the prop remains confident he will be able to face Crusaders – and with some added personnel as his departure at the Jungle left the Giants with just three front row forwards.

“We had some troops out, but hopefully we will be getting some personnel back soon,” said Mason.

“I thought Castleford put in a good performance, but we had a job to do and sometimes you just feel that you shoot yourself in the foot.

“But we will come back fresh again for Sunday. We have got Crusaders at home and we will be looking to get right back on track.”

Huddersfield prop Darrell Griffin has been formally cautioned by the Rugby Football League for using a dangerous grapple tackle on Castleford stand-off Dean Widders during Sunday’s game.