BATTLING Huddersfield Giants were made to produce all the qualities required of a side who have earned the right to reach the play-offs for the first time.

Against a Wakefield side whose defence was heroic from start to finish and took their first-half chances superbly, the Giants were forced to dig incredibly deep to secure this most vital of victories.

There were many times during the opening period when the Wildcats looked poised to win their first game over their West Yorkshire rivals in an almost unbelievable nine Super League outings.

But, when it came to the crunch, coach Jon Sharp’s side had the strength of character to battle their way back and eventually claim the ultimate prize.

It may not have been the most emphatic of Giants’ wins, but it was a triumph that underlined the true grit and determination that exists within the squad.

And that could prove crucial as Huddersfield prepare to finally have a crack at the top-six play-offs.

They showed yesterday they have what it takes to fight back from adversity against opponents who knew they needed to win to keep their own play-off hopes alive.

Within five minutes it was clear this was going to be no stroll in the park for the hosts.

Having already had a try from Jamie Rooney chalked out by the video referee for crossing, the Wildcats took the lead when former Giant Paul White intercepted a Brad Drew pass on his own line and raced away to score under the posts for Rooney.

He added a penalty five minutes later, and the Giants were up against it.

However, as the half progressed, Huddersfield’s nerves – probably down to the fact they were so near to that first play-off appearance – began to settle.

After 18 minutes, Paul Reilly scored against the club he will be joining next season when he finished off in the corner from a long Kevin Brown pass.

Chris Thorman failed to convert, but added a penalty four minutes later before the Giants hit the front for the first time.

That came after 30 minutes when Jamal Lolesi collected 20m out and showed great footwork and strength to plunge over for a try, which was only awarded after a long look from video referee Ashley Klein. A double movement must only just have been ruled out.

Thorman’s conversion made it 12-8 and it was surely time for the Giants to push on.

Wakefield, however, had something to say about that!

Five minutes before the break, Kevin Henderson shot through some weak tackles on halfway to release Jason Demetriou who finished off in style.

Then four minutes later, Paul March fed Demetriou to grab his second under the posts and make it 20-12 at the break.

A Rooney penalty within five minutes of the restart extended the lead to 10 points, and the Wildcats could scent blood.

But instead, that finally proved to be the Giants’ wake-up call.

They added their second try after 53 minutes when Drew fed Lolesi to charge over for his second in the corner, which was crucially goaled by Thorman to make it 22-18.

And three minutes later, Drew fed Steve Snitch to race through and release the supporting Stephen Wild to finish off and make it 24-22.

Robbie Paul was unlucky to have a try wiped out when then video referee adjudged he had lost the ball over the line with 10 minutes remaining.

But in the end, it didn’t matter.

The Giants were finally able to celebrate making the play-offs!