BEATEN Giants coach Jon Sharp is refusing to hit the panic button after watching his side lose 36-28 to Hull in their opening Super League X clash at the Galpharm Stadium.

Sharp's side were destroyed by an opening Hull onslaught which saw the visitors race into a 22-0 lead inside the first 24 minutes in front of over 6,600.

It was a defeat which brought the Giants back down to earth following the comfortable 30-12 opening-day triumph at Leigh.

And Sharp is convinced that the nature of the win over the newly-promoted Centurions was a major factor in his side's slow start against Hull.

"We all believe the game the week before had a big bearing on yesterday," said Sharp, who was forced to leave out winger Marcus St Hilaire, who suffered a calf injury on Saturday.

"While we had a slower game against Leigh, Hull were involved in a match of great intensity against Leeds.

"As a result, they were quickly into their stride and up to speed against us.

"In comparison, it took us half a game to get up to the pace, and by that stage Hull were almost out of sight.

"Early in the game we were like rabbits in headlights. We didn't handle the situation.

"But as we got up to pace and our execution improved we were able to find some momentum.

"Unfortunately, a couple of dumb decisions and a lack of time prevented us from turning it all around.

"The players were frustrated when they got into the dressing room at the end of the game.

"We all know exactly where it went wrong yesterday and we know we are in the position to do something about it.

"The confidence remains high and it hasn't altered our thinking whatsoever."