BELOW-PAR St Helens will be hungry to claw their way back up the Super League table with a win against the Giants.
Saints were being tipped by many to set 2013 alight.
However, since Huddersfield thrashed them 40-4 on the opening day of the campaign, the Merseysiders have failed to find the consistency of previous years, as they currently cling on to a play-off place, after being put to the sword by Warrington at the Magic Weekend.
That is partly down to the injuries in the camp, with lynchpins Johnny Lomax and James Roby both missing large parts of the season so far.
But, despite the injuries, they have taken some notable scalps, with their win against Leeds two weeks ago showing that their playing roster is still one many teams envy, with proven performers spread across the park.
The potential talent that has been blooded into the system over the years will also serve them well, with Mark Percival’s rise from the Academy and Championship Young Player of the Year Alex Walmsley also coming to the fore this year following his move from Batley Bulldogs.
With the ability to perform with their backs against the wall, they cannot be underestimated going into the business end of the season.
WILLIE Manu has been one of the Super League’s most devastating players in recent years.
The Tongan back-rower has the ability to produce outrageous offloads in the most difficult of circumstances to get his team going.
That led to Saints prising him away from Hull FC as their star signing over the off-season, and the Giants will have to stop the Exiles representative if they are to take the points at the John Smith’s stadium.
NATHAN Brown has one objective – to bring back the Super League crown to Saints.
The Aussie coach came over to the UK in 2009 and took the Giants to two top-four finishes, as well as the Challenge Cup final in his first year.
His move to Merseyside, which was confirmed midway through last season, clearly affected Huddersfield’s performance, as they slumped from the top two into a fight to make the lower echelons of the play-off positions.
That led to Brown being relieved of his duties, but a fresh start at St Helens so far has not had the desired effect.
