GIANTS coach Jon Sharp has challenged his players to maintain the form they showed during yesterday's narrow 18-16 defeat by Super League leaders St Helens for the rest of the season.
His Huddersfield side can count themselves desperately unlucky not to have become the first side this season to topple the in-form Saints.
They created a host of chances and had the visitors on the back foot for much of the second half.
And Sharp has no doubt that if his side can reproduce that form on a regular basis, then a play-off berth can be secured for the first time.
"If we play like that week in, week out, we won't be far off," said Sharp, who will today learn his side's Powergen Challenge Cup fourth-round opponents.
"I'm looking for us to maintain this standard at home to Harlequins on Sunday.
"All of the top teams in Super League are consistent, and that's what we aspire to be.
"I want to see us push on from this game and make it the benchmark for the rest of the season.
"We are taking steps in the right direction. Apart from that opening half hour at Wigan, we have been competitive and have been improving every week.
"That trend has to continue next Sunday, and I'm sure there will be no lack of confidence in the side.
"We went into the Saints game full of confidence and I felt that was backed up by our performance."
Sharp was forced to make late changes to his side, with centre James Evans (calf) and prop Paul Jackson (ankle) failing late fitness tests.
That handed Andy Raleigh the chance to make his Giants Super League debut.
Sharp added: "We were pleased with his efforts. Andy challenged Saints with his speed and athleticism."
