Huddersfield Rugby Union Club coach Gareth Lewis hopes “a few home truths” will help them return to winning ways against Leicester Lions at Lockwood Park on Saturday.
The team – beaten 27-8 at Harrogate – were well below the standards set in their previous home victory against Sandal in National II North and Lewis is demanding an immediate upsurge.
He has some fitness tests to conduct before finalising his line-up and has named a squad of 23.
“Last week was bitterly disappointing from start to finish,” said Lewis.
“If you don’t get the attitude right, this league will chew you up and spit you out.
“Our attitude was not what Phil (Gostling) and I expect last week. A few home truths have been said and every player needs to raise their game.
“All that being said, I know the players are keen to show we are not the side that was so easily dismantled by Harrogate.
“The last performance at Lockwood Park was the benchmark (the 26-19 win against Sandal) and the players have shown what they are capable of.”
Lewis believes the build-up to the Lions visit has been positive.
He added: “We’ve had a good week’s training with support from Yorkshire Carnegie and Danny Brough, so I’m hoping that will lift the boys and the home crowd – which can make a big difference.
“Leicester Lions have made an excellent start and have one of the outstanding No8s in the league in Joe Collingham.
“It will be a big challenge but one we are looking forward to.”
Huddersfield: (from) Malthouse, Battye, Thompson, Hoyle, Bell, Jeffrey, Birkhead, Hodgson, Knight, Walker Hinchliffe, Wood, Sanderson, Bradley Workman, Parfitt, Rawsthorne, Rhodes, Sharpe, Thornton, Hodson, Kanouras, Owen.
