Joe Wardle believes the Giants have the right mental attitude to make 2015 their best Super League year.
The 23-year-old has been a Huddersfield regular in the play-offs for the past four seasons.
But even though the Giants lifted the Super League Leaders Shield in 2013, the Scotland international admits his club has failed to rise to the occasion when it comes to the end-of-season battle to reach the Super League Grand Final.
And that’s something Wardle feels could change this time around.
“There’s no negative talk around the place from anyone at the moment, and that’s vital,” said Wardle.
“Everything’s positive, and the spirit within the group is absolutely fantastic.
“I think that shows when we get onto the field, like it did against Castleford last week. As soon as they took that early 10-0 lead, we all just dug in for each other and had the character to turn things around very quickly.
Take a look at action from the Giants v Castleford.
“That’s something I don’t think we’d have been able to do in the past, and that’s something that gives us extra confidence for the games ahead.
“All the boys are keen on winning something this year, and we’re in the mood to see the job through.
“We’re certainly not getting carried away at this stage. All we’re thinking about at the moment is going out there and beating Warrington on Sunday.
“If we can do that and produce a better performance than we did against Cas, then we’ll put ourselves in a fantastic position.”
Wardle has been a key performer in the Giants’ run of three successive Super 8s triumphs, having made a successful temporary switch from centre to back-row forward.
It’s form that has led to calls for possible selection to the England squad for this autumn’s Test series against New Zealand.
But right now Wardle remains firmly in the Scotland camp.
“Until I get a call from (England coach) Steve McNamara, that’s something I’m not even thinking about. At this stage, I’m still expecting to be playing for Scotland,” added the former Bradford Bulls player.
“Obviously, it’s great that people have been saying I could be in contention to be picked for England. It’s a sign I must be doing something right.
“But, to be honest, that’s not really something I’m thinking about at the moment.
“I’m just wanting to play as well as I can to help the Giants achieve as much success as possible, because we know we are getting closer to achieving something special here.”
