Sam Rapira has revealed new Huddersfield Giants coach Rick Stone is already ‘shaking things up’ to guarantee there are no slip-ups in the Middle 8s.

Huddersfield travel to Warrington Wolves on Saturday knowing it could potentially be their last Super League fixture for at least 12 months.

That’s the harsh reality facing the Giants if they don’t get their act together in their seven Middle 8s fixtures, as the bottom four clubs in Super League prepare to do battle with the top four from the Kingstone Press Championship for the right to secure one of the top-flight spots for 2017.

That means the pressure will be on the Giants when the Middle 8s get under way in just over a fortnight.

But that’s something former New Zealand Test prop Rapira is happy to accept, believing Stone’s fresh approach will ensure the Giants thrive on the pressure from within and ultimately emerge victorious in their quest to retain their place at the top table in the British game.

“First and foremost, our focus is on Warrington this weekend. In that regard, we’re confident we can do well,” said Rapira.

“But, at the same time, we’re also well aware of what’s around the corner in the Middle 8s and the type of challenges we’re about to face.

“You could say all the pressure’s going to be on us in the ‘8s’ because we’re one of the Super League clubs and the stakes are higher for us than they are for the Championship clubs.

“That’s part of the challenge we’re looking forward to facing, and I know that’ll help bring the very best out of us. Pressure is part and parcel of the game, and it’s the way you handle it that counts.

“Under Rick Stone, we know we’ve got the coach who’ll make sure we thrive on the situation.

TAKE a look at the Giants' season so far in pictures

“He’s come in and immediately made the right sort of impact, he’s already starting to shake things up a bit. Ok, it didn’t help us beat St Helens at home last weekend (the Giants lost 34-18), but the feedback from the players after the game was all positive, and everyone learned a tremendous amount from what went on.

“To be honest, we knew things wouldn’t change overnight, but we fully expect to be a lot better this weekend.

“Rick’s told us what direction he wants us to go in and what he expects from us, which is a process that’s bound to take a couple of weeks.

“And we know that if we don’t reach his expectations, then he’ll give others the chance to step up and prove they should be a part of his 17.

“Because we’re finally getting troops back that’s certainly something Rick’s in a position to do.”

Rapira’s place in the side certainly shouldn’t be in jeopardy.

The 29-year-old has had a strong first season in the claret and gold following his move from New Zealand Warriors.

After a couple of injury-hit seasons in the Australian NRL, he’s enjoyed an injury-free season in Super League, and is looking to continue to build on that in the weeks and months ahead.

“I owe a great deal to our medical staff for the way things have gone this year,” he added.

“As well as not missing a game, I’ve not missed a training session, and that’s because of the way the backroom boys have looked after me.

“As a result, I’ve been fairly happy with my own form this year, but when the team’s been struggling it’s hard to be feeling that positive.

“But even though I think my own form’s been pretty consistent, I still know that’s no guarantee of being selected in Rick’s side.

“Like everyone else, I know I’m going to have to carry on working hard to make sure I keep on being picked.

“I want the chance to do everything I can to make sure we’re successful in the Middle 8s and keep our place in Super League, because I do love playing for the club.”