Huddersfield Giants head coach Paul Anderson will take a week to regroup after his side’s 36-18 win at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
With the Challenge Cup semi-finals to be played at the weekend the Giants are without a game and Anderson will use the time to rest his troops.
Both Jodie Broughton and Antonio Kaufusi missed the win at Belle Vue due to knocks picked up in training and full back Scott Grix was brought off at half-time – when the Giants were 32-0 ahead – with a groin strain.
Widnes are the Giants next opponents at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday, August 17, and Anderson said: “I am not going to worry about Widnes until next week.
“We have no game this weekend, which is good for us as we have a few bumps and bruises in the squad.
“We pulled Scott out as he had a bit of a muscle pull and as it was 32-0 at half-time I thought that was the smart decision.
“And we have got good players to come in. I thought Jake Connor did well and dealt with everything that was thrown at him, and we have people like Michael Lawrence who can move into the centres and Aaron Murphy switched to play wing.
“We also have some good experience in the team and when you have the likes of Chris Bailey and David Faiumu who can come off the bench then we are not in too bad a place.”
Second row Larne Patrick was also picked out for praise for his performance by Anderson, who added: “Larne got through 80 minutes and I think he can feel confident after what did.
“I thought he kept working throughout and he was a real threat out on the edge.”
The victory confirmed the Giants will take a top eight play-off slot, but with four games remaining Anderson will be looking to finish the league programme in positive fashion.
“Overall it was a win and one that keeps the pressure on the teams above us,” said Anderson.
“We are two points off fourth spot and only four points off the top of the table, so that’s not too bad really.”
