CAUTIOUS Giants coach Jon Sharp has ordered his players to treat French club Pia with the utmost respect when the two teams clash in Sunday's Challenge Cup fourth-round clash at the McAlpine (3.00).
Huddersfield go into the weekend tie as red-hot favourites, with former Giants assistant coach Steve Deakin, who is now coach at French side UTC, tipping the Yorkshiremen to triumph by 50.
However, with Pia ready to include several leading French internationals and former Australian Test player Jim Serdaris in their ranks, Sharp has warned his Giants to take nothing for granted.
"It's my job to protect my players from the hype of this Challenge Cup tie as much as possible," said Sharp.
"I'm well aware we're being tipped to win with the minimum of fuss, and that can be dangerous.
"It's something Huddersfield know only too well after suffering that shock Cup exit at Hunslet Hawks exactly a year ago.
"Historically, there are always upsets in the competition, and we have to make sure it doesn't happen to us.
"I've made it clear that we can't afford to treat Pia with any disrespect whatsoever.
"We've now seen several of their games on video and they are a big, physical side who enjoy contact, especially in defence.
"They've also got players who boast a wealth of experience at the very highest level, none more so than Jim Serdaris.
"The fact he's played for the Kangaroos speaks volumes and he gets the side across the park very well.
"Pia are clearly a team that we'll need to watch carefully."
Sharp is looking to name his side by the end of the week, but has made it clear he intends to field a strong squad.
That should include Brandon Costin, who has still not recovered 100% from his ankle injury but was on hand to score the matchwinner against Castleford on Sunday.
Costin continues to receive treatment from the Giants' medical staff, but at this stage Sharp has made it clear he is part of this weekend's plans.
"The way we played against Castleford showed that we still have a long way to go in terms of team development," he added.
"We've set ourselves some very high standards, and we're well aware that we're not there yet.
"So, this weekend, I'm looking to see a big improvement in the way we perform as a team.
"I know it's important for us to do our homework on Pia, but the real theme of our preparation is looking after ourselves rather than worrying about the opposition.
"If we concentrate on what we need to do, we'll be OK."
