NEW assistant coach Kieron Purtill could be the Giants’ trump card at St Helens on Sunday (7.45).
That’s the big hope for Huddersfield boss Paul Anderson as his side prepare for battle at Langtree Park.
While the third-placed hosts are seeking a seventh successive victory, the Giants are looking to secure just a second win in 10.
That makes St Helens the red-hot favourites, but with England Knights coach Purtill having spent three full seasons as assistant at Saints – he left in late March in the wake of the axing of head coach Royce Simmons – Anderson is hoping his inside knowledge could prove vital.
“Getting Kieron in early is good for me on so many levels,” said Anderson, who stepped in for departed former coach Nathan Brown and has been able to bring in Purtill as No2 ahead of his original November posting.
“For a start, he’s helped ease my workload and helped freshen things up, because he’s a different voice to listen to and can offer a different opinion.
“But this week, he can also tell me a thing or two about Saints. He can be our spy on the inside.
“They may have changed a few things since Kieron left, but he knows the ins and outs in regards to the players, and that knowledge could prove invaluable.
“First and foremost, his main job is doing the best for the Giants and helping us improve, but if he could help us win at St Helens along the way I’d obviously be more than happy about that.
“That’s going to be no easy task, we’re all well aware of that, but it can be done.”
