Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson is confident his players can find the winning response to last night’s heartbreaking 20-16 home Super 8s defeat to Leeds Rhinos.

Huddersfield looked in pole position to secure a first home semi-final play-off when they led 16-8 with five minutes remaining.

But after conceding a late Kevin Sinfield penalty and last-second Ryan Hall try, the Giants face the prospect of a trip to Wigan next Thursday night for the right to reach a first Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford,

It’s going to be a massive challenge, but one Anderson expects his players to relish.

“The result is obviously bitterly disappointing, particularly with the way the calls went in the final few minutes,” said Anderson, who decided not to risk Eorl Crabtree with a knee injury but should have him available next week for Wigan.

“But I thought we played very well in a play-off type atmosphere, and that was important.

“And, at the end of the day, I’d rather lose this week than next week.

“We’ve just got to dust ourselves down and make sure we don’t feel sorry for ourselves, because we know we’re still good enough to do it.

“And some of the decisions by the referee in the last few minutes have left a nasty taste in the mouth. The referee wasn't the reason we lost the game, but he had a fair impact on it.”