HUDDERSFIELD Giants coach Nathan Brown will not risk rushing players back from injury as his side looks to produce a big Super League finish.

Huddersfield are in need of a major lift after suffering the bitter disappointment of Sunday’s heavy 44-18 defeat at Castleford Tigers.

That loss has halted the Giants’ new-found momentum after the excellent win over Hull FC and thrilling draw against Hull KR.

And even though Brown knows how important it will be for his sixth-placed side to return to winning ways as the play-off race hots up, the Galpharm chief is continuing to err on the side of caution on the injury front.

Prop Eorl Crabtree will return against Crusaders at the Galpharm on Sunday following an ankle injury, while second-row forward Stephen Wild is also very close after picking up a slight hamstring strain against Hull KR.

Back-rower Martin Aspinwall (groin) and prop Andy Raleigh are also two weeks away.

Fellow front-rower Keith Mason, who is struggling with a scar tissue problem which was aggravated at Castleford, should also return within a fortnight.

And Brown is now expecting to have former New Zealand Test back-rower David Fa’alogo available in a month after finally getting to the root of his on-going hamstring problem.

All are obviously key Huddersfield forwards, and the Giants chief knows that once they start making their returns there could be a positive end to the season.

“The situation on the injury front is starting to look a lot more hopeful,” said Brown, pictured inset.

“We’re now starting to see players coming back from injury, with Eorl already down to play on Sunday.

“Stephen Wild is another who is also very close, while Aspy and Andy shouldn’t be too far behind.

“But the key with them all is not to bring them back too early and risk them having even longer spells on the sidelines. We’re going to make sure they’re all 100% before they play.

“And that will also be the case with David.

“The medical reports are now showing he is making progress and, all being well, we’ll see him in four or five weeks.”

Meanwhile, Brown is distancing himself from all the speculation that’s still surrounding his future, particularly as he is looking to focus 100% on the bid to make the end-of-season play-offs.

Rumours have begun to circulate suggesting he could be about to perform a major U-turn and remain at the Giants next season after all, although some reports in Australia have stated Royce Simmons could be taking over at Huddersfield, despite being the favourite to take over at St Helens.

It would appear former St George Dragons chief Brown is, however, still keeping his options open as he continues to be linked with the assistant coach’s role at fellow Australian NRL club Sydney Roosters.