HUDDERSFIELD Giants are ready to re-launch their bid to establish themselves as a top-six Super League force!
Victory in Sunday's home clash against London Broncos (3.00) would help reinforce coach Jon Sharp's side as a genuine play-off contender.
A win is well within the Giants' grasp, with London struggling to make a major impact after a solid start to the campaign.
The Broncos have the current longest losing run of Super League matches, covering six games, although they did end that run with a convincing 26-12 triumph at Salford City Reds in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
It was a match all the Giants watched, as their controversial Cup exit at the hands of St Helens left them with a free weekend.
But that defeat could prove a blessing in disguise, with the enforced break enabling several players to shake off knocks.
As a result, head coach Sharp is able to call on one of his strongest-looking 20-man squads for weeks.
Several players will have to undergo late tests in a bid to prove their fitness.
They are Stuart Donlan (groin), Hefin O'Hare (knee), Stanley Gene (shoulder) and Chris Thorman (back), who are all showing positive signs of improvement on a daily basis.
However, Sharp has made it clear that unless they are 100% fit they won't be risked.
"We've planned for these players in, and for these players out," said Sharp, who has kept faith with Bolu Fagborun, who impressed in a tryscoring display at Leeds a fortnight ago.
"But whichever combination ends up playing I know they are capable of doing a good job.
"The mood in training has again been very positive."
Opponents London are forced to make one change from the side that impressed against Salford at the weekend.
That's in the forwards where Danny Williams, who picked up a one-match suspension for a reckless high tackle in their Cup triumph, is replaced by Anthony Armour.
The Broncos will again be led by last week's Powergen man-of-the-match Mark McLinden, who believes his side have what it takes to fell the Giants.
"After last week's win, there's a great vibe right now," said the Australian former teammate of Brad Drew and James Evans at Canberra Raiders.
"Our training sessions have been really sharp and this game against the Giants is one we're looking forward to.
"Huddersfield are a quality team, but as long as we control the things we have worked hard on, we will deliver a quality performance.
"We've done a few different things this week in training which I think have been good for us."
Huddersfield are well aware of the threat the Broncos could prove, especially in attack.
All four League victories have been achieved at their home base of Griffin Park, with a 70-point triumph over Wakefield and a win by 60 points against Widnes. Their other wins have been against Wigan and Warrington.
But on the road their form has been shaky, and they became the first side to be beaten by Leigh six weeks ago.
But with the likes of McLinden, New Zealand Test scrum half Thomas Leulkuia and in-form paul Sykes in their side they can't be taken for granted.
Giants: O'Hare, De Vere, Donlan, Thorman, March, Slicker, Drew, Gannon, Nero, Roarty, Gene, Jones, Smith, Crabtree, Grayshon, White, Jackson, Clayton, Fagborun, St Hilaire.
Broncos: Bradley-Qalilawa, Dorn, Armour, Greenwood, Haumono, Highton, Hopkins, Leuluai, Lolohea, Lucky Luisi, McLinden, Mbu, O'Halloran, Purdham, Smith, Stephenson, Sykes, Tookey, Trindall, Wells.
Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield).
* There will be a bucket collection at Sunday's game for Huddersfield University students Gareth Simpson and Matt Clarke, who are touring Australia with the Ireland Wolfhounds in July.
The duo, who also play for Underbank and helped the University to be crowned the Yorkshire Division of Student RL champions under the command of Giants staff coach Chris Plume, are having to fund their own trips down under.
HUDDERSFIELD Giants are holding a sale of merchandise this weekend at the Galpharm Stadium superstore.
There is up to 50% off the price of selected items, with the sale taking place tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.
