GIANTS chief Nathan Brown has admitted there’s still plenty of work to be done between now and the start of the season.

But after seeing his side beat Hull KR 18-10 in Eorl Crabtree’s testimonial clash at the Galpharm, he believes his squad is heading in the right direction.

Several players from yesterday’s clash will feature in next Sunday’s trip to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

And then the squad will be trimmed down further for the game at St Helens the following Saturday.

By that time Brown is hoping his players will be ready to make a winning impression against Warrington Wolves in their Super League XVI opener in Cardiff as part of Magic Weekend on Saturday, February 12.

“It was pleasing to win yesterday, but we know we have to get much better before the season starts,” admitted Brown.

“I think I’d describe our performance as a bit of a mixed bag. We produced some pretty reasonable stuff and some pretty average stuff.

“I’d have liked us to have been better with our good-ball attack, but hopefully that will come over the next few weeks.

“Defensively, I didn’t think they caused us too much trouble, so things are looking fairly good there.

“But we all know there’s plenty of work that still needs to be done, and that’s obviously going to be our focus for the next few weeks.”

Yesterday’s game was the first time new big signing Luke O’Donnell has been seen in a Giants shirt.

And Brown was encouraged with what he saw, as he was with several other players on the day.

“Luke will have benefited from a good 40 minutes under his belt,” added Brown.

“Because of the injury he picked up with the Cowboys towards the end of last season, this was his first game for a fair amount of time.

“But he handled it well, as well as the difference in the conditions and getting to know a new set of teammates, so now he’ll be looking to build on what he’s done.

“And there were others out there who stood up well.

“Danny Brough showed again he’s got a great kicking game that helps give you vital field position, while Scott Grix was terrific and did some great stuff at full-back.

“Jerry McGillvary was another to make the most of his chance and that was also something to give us great encouragement, while all the youngsters who had a run late in the game looked comfortable at this level.

“It was good for us in that regard.”

Rovers head coach Justin Morgan, meanwhile, has paid tribute to Eorl Crabtree on his career after being involved in the England prop’s testimonial game.

“I’m sure everyone who played in this game will be better for the run-out,” said Morgan.

“But, at the end of the day, fixtures like this are extensions of training, and on this particular occasion it was all about Eorl Crabtree as much as anything.

“Personally, it was fantastic to be invited to big Eorl’s day. He’s a great character and I thought he spoke very well to the crowd before the game. He’s clearly a fans’ favourite with the Huddersfield supporters.

“But he’s also a great ambassador for our game and I’m just so pleased he wanted us to be part of his testimonial game.

“So I’d like to offer my congratulations in playing for 10 years to begin with.

“And I heard him mention he’s going to be around for another five, so I’m sure he’ll give me and a lot of other coaches a headache in that time, because he’s such a high-quality player.”