HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS chief Paul Anderson believes his squad’s demanding time on army camp is making their bond even stronger.
Huddersfield embarked on a gruelling three-day challenge in the North Yorkshire Moors yesterday.
During their time away, the Giants are taking part in a host of army exercises designed to test their strength of character to the maximum.
The challenges should also improve their teamwork skills, which Anderson knows could prove invaluable for Super League XVIII.
“In some of the tests, the boys are having to think for themselves, while in others they are having to think as a group,” said Anderson who, along with the rest of his coaching staff, is taking a full part in the exercises.
“Quite often, they’re having to help each other during times of adversity, and that’s helping to bond the players together.
“We are a very tight-knit group anyway, which is good. But you can become even closer on exercises like this, and that doesn’t obviously do any harm at all.
“When times are tough – whether it’s on one of the army tests or when you’re with your teammates out on a rugby league field – you need to stick together. This is exactly what this group is doing.”
And Anderson feels the time away is also helping new signings Stuart Fielden, Craig Kopczak, Anthony Mullally and Ben Blackmore get closer to their more established clubmates.
“They’ve already settled in well,” added Anderson. “But this week, they’re with their new teammates 24 hours a day, so they’re getting the chance to know them even better.”
“That’s something else which is helping us get even tighter as a group.”
